Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has passed
Earlier today, it was announced that Kyle Busch was admitted into the hospital. The earlier report noted a “severe illness” but no further details were announced.
Only moments ago, NASCAR, Richard Childress Racing and the family have issued a joint statement. Kyle Busch has passed at age 41.
See the statement below.
Last week, Busch went to victory lane for the final time in the NASCAR Truck Series race at Dover Motor Speedway. During the frontstretch interview he was asked why these moments never get old and he responded, “Because you never know when the last one is.”
Busch ran 762 races in the NASCAR Cup Series. He collected a 63 race wins which is currently 9th on the all-time winners list.
He currently holds the record for the most NASCAR National wins all-time at 234 across the top three divisions of the sport.
This post will be updated if more information becomes available.
Statement on the passing of Kyle Busch
Joint Statement from the Busch Family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR Regarding the Passing of Kyle Busch:
“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.”
“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch. A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans.”
“Throughout a career that spanned more than two decades, Kyle set records in national series wins, won championships at NASCAR’s highest level and fostered the next generation of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series. His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal ‘Rowdy Nation.’ “
“Our thoughts are with Samantha, Brexton and Lennix, Kyle and Samantha’s parents, Kurt and all of Kyle’s family, Richard and Judy Childress, everyone at Richard Childress Racing, his teammates, friends and fans. NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon.”
“During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Further updates will be shared as appropriate.”
Busch visited victory lane in the NASCAR Cup Series 63 times. But the wins don’t stop there. He picked up 69 NASCAR Truck Series wins and another 102 in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series.
Earlier Report: Kyle Busch hospitalized; NASCAR driver will not race at Charlotte
Comments from the racing community
Denny Hamlin: “Absolutely cannot comprehend this news. We just need to think of his family during this time. We love you KB.”
Brad Keselowski: “Absolute shock. Very hard to process. Hug your loved ones.”
Connor Zilisch: “At a loss for words. Thinking and praying for the entire Busch family. Godspeed my friend.”
Joe Gibbs Racing: “Our hearts are broken for Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, and the entire Busch family. Kyle was a fierce competitor, an incredible teammate, and, far more importantly, a devoted husband, father, and son. His impact on our organization and on the sport of NASCAR will never be forgotten. During this unimaginable time, everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing and the Gibbs family are lifting the Busch family up in prayer.”
Chase Briscoe: “This doesn’t even feel real typing this… Easily one of the absolute greatest of all time, any track, any car, it didn’t matter he was gonna be good.”
Formula 1: “A true competitor and champion Our condolences to Kyle’s family, friends, and the entire NASCAR community.”
IndyCar: “The entire INDYCAR community is saddened and heartbroken by the passing of Kyle Busch. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, Richard Childress Racing and the entire NASCAR community during this difficult time.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr comments
“Kyle and I had a really challenging existence for many years,” Dale Earnhardt Jr opened.
“But we luckily took the time to figure out our differences and that was something he instigated with a conversation in his bus around how we each managed our racing teams. I was super eager for us to get on better terms.”
“But it was he who made the effort for that to be possible. We did some media together also to laugh through some of the things we put each other through many years ago.
“Most recently we had even been discussing him running my Late Model at Wilkesboro this summer. He seemed extremely happy and we had planned to meet up next Thursday to get his seat to the shop. He laughed over the idea of his fans and JRM fans having to cheer in unison during that race.”
“Kyle was one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history. No one can deny that. But he was also a father, a husband, brother, son, and a friend to many. My heart is broken for the Busch family. I will never be able to make sense of this loss but I am thankful that we had found a way to become friends.”
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