Two-Time NASCAR Champion Kyle Busch Dies at 41

22 May 2026 | 01:18

2-time NASCAR champion and one of the most popular drivers in recent NASCAR history, Kyle Busch, has died at the age of 41, his family announced on Thursday. The 41-year-old driver was admitted to the hospital earlier in the day with a "severe illness," but the cause of his death was not immediately disclosed.

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. He was 41 years old.

We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire NASCAR community. pic.twitter.com/FARIF6OKrw

A Legacy of Success and Tragedy

The news was confirmed by Richard Childress Racing, the team Busch raced for since 2023, and by NASCAR. Busch, who had 234 wins across NASCAR's three divisions, with his most recent victory coming last Friday in a pickup truck race in Dover. Busch won the championship in 2015 and 2019, had 63 wins in NASCAR's elite division, and is the younger brother of 2004 champion Kurt Busch.

The Final Race

🚨 JUST IN: NASCAR legend Kyle Busch has DlED at the age of 41 following a hospitalization with a "severe illness"

In-race communications from a recent race, seen below, show Busch requesting a doctor due to a "sinus cold" 👇🏻

41 is FAR too young.

Pray for the Busch family 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/vW2HxgxyXN

Over the past year, Busch has been heavily involved in the career of his 11-year-old son, Brexton, while his NASCAR results have been below his usual standards since 2025, with neither he nor Richard Childress Racing able to pinpoint the reason for this.

Breaking: NASCAR icon Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion, has died at the age of , the racing series announced Thursday. pic.twitter.com/pIRifmHtJA

Images: Gettyimages