NASCAR legend Kyle Busch, the two-time Cup Series champion, has died suddenly. The announcement, made jointly by the Busch family, NASCAR, and Richard Childress Racing, described a “sudden, staggering blow” to the motorsports community following reports that Busch had been hospitalized with a severe illness earlier in the week.

A joint statement from the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR read: “On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch.” The statement added that Busch was a “future Hall of Famer,” lauded for his rare talent, fierce competitiveness, passion, skill, and deep commitment to the sport and fans.

Busch ranked 24th in the Cup Series standings this season with two top-10 finishes across 12 races. The Las Vegas native won championships in 2015 and 2019 and is in his fourth season with Richard Childress Racing after previously competing for Joe Gibbs Racing. His last victory came in 2023 during his first season with RCR.

Throughout a career spanning more than two decades, Busch set records across NASCAR’s national series, winning championships at the highest level, and fostered new generations of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series. He earned a legacy as one of racing’s most recognizable figures, known for his sharp wit and competitive spirit that created the devoted “Rowdy Nation” fanbase.

Born May 2, 1985, in Las Vegas to a racing family, Busch followed a path similar to his older brother Kurt, who was also an early competitor. After briefly working with Jack Roush’s team as a teenager, Busch forged his own identity at age 16, eventually becoming a full-time driver for Rick Hendrick Motorsports by 2004. His career included five wins in the O’Reilly Series and multiple Cup Series championships before joining Joe Gibbs Racing in 2008.

NASCAR described Busch as a “giant of the sport” whose impact extended beyond competition, leaving a profound legacy for fans worldwide. The organization expressed its deepest condolences to Kyle’s family, including Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, and his parents Kurt and his mother, as well as Richard and Judy Childress, his teammates, friends, and supporters.