The circumstances surrounding Busch’s death are not known at this time, but his family said he was hospitalized Thursday morning due to a “severe illness.”
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Reactions are pouring in from the NASCAR world after two-time champion Kyle Busch died on Thursday. The circumstances surrounding Busch’s death are not known at this time, but his family said he was hospitalized on Thursday morning due to a “severe illness.”
The official NASCAR account confirmed his death, saying, “We are saddened and heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion and one of our sport’s greatest and fiercest drivers,” they wrote. “We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire motorsports community.”
NASCAR Series Cup Champion Brad Keselowski posted, “Absolute shock. Very hard to process. Hug your loved ones.”
NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin said, “Absolutely cannot comprehend this news. We just need to think of his family during this time. We love you KB.”
NASCAR driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. reacted to the new saying in part, “There aren’t really words for today. I’ve raced against Kyle for a long time, and anyone who’s lined up next to him knows exactly what made him special, he gave you everything he had, every single lap, and he made all of us better for it.”
Busch was set to race this weekend at the Charlotte Motor Speedway before his hospitalization. The Speedway Motorsports CEO released a statement saying in part, “Kyle Busch was a champion among champions – a once-in-a-generation competitor whose grit, unmistakable driving style and relentless pursuit of excellence elevated him to a place among the very best drivers in our sport. When Kyle climbed behind the wheel, he brought an intensity and determination that demanded respect from his competitors and inspired fans throughout motorsports.”
The president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway released a statement on the passing of Kyle Busch. “Everyone at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is heartbroken to learn of the passing of Kyle Busch. Kyle was one of the most dominant racers in IMS history, highlighted by back-to-back NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400 victories in 2015 and 2016, making history by sweeping both the Cup and NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races in those years. He won a record four O’Reilly Series races at the Racing Capital of the World and made his 700th career Cup Series start in the 30th anniversary 2024 Brickyard 400 at IMS – a significant career milestone. He was a fan favorite, loved for his competitive spirit and passion. He understood what racing and winning at Indianapolis means. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his wife, Samantha, children Brexton and Lennix, the entire Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire NASCAR family.”