Kyle Busch, NASCAR great and 2-time Cup Series champion, dies at 41 after illness
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and the winningest driver in national series history with 234 victories, has died at age 41 after a severe illness, NASCAR announced.
- Busch was hospitalized earlier this week and had been visibly ill for at least two weeks, missing the upcoming Coca-Cola 600 as he underwent treatment.
- Known for his fierce competitiveness and brash personality, Busch won titles in 2015 and 2019 and had a career spanning over two decades, including stints with Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Richard Childress Racing.
- He is survived by his wife Samantha, son Brexton, daughter Lennix, and brother Kurt Busch, who is also a former NASCAR Cup Series champion.
- Busch remained a top performer until the end, winning a Truck Series race in May 2024 despite his illness, and was regarded as one of the most talented and polarizing figures in NASCAR history.