Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and the winningest driver across NASCAR’s three national series, died May 21, 2026, at age 41 after being hospitalized with a severe illness, his family and Richard Childress Racing announced.
Busch was scheduled to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday. His family disclosed the hospitalization earlier Thursday without specifying the condition. No official cause of death was released.
Busch won more than 200 races nationally and claimed Cup titles in 2015 and 2019. He drove for Richard Childress Racing in the No. 8 Chevrolet after a long tenure at Joe Gibbs Racing. He was the younger brother of NASCAR Hall of Famer Kurt Busch.
At Watkins Glen on May 10, Busch radioed his crew requesting medical attention after the race while battling a persistent cough. NASCAR and drivers across the circuit paid tribute, calling his death a shock to the motorsports community.
Busch won the NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2015 and 2019 and claimed his 200th national series victory at Martinsville in 2024. He drove the No. 8 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing after leaving Joe Gibbs Racing. Survivors include wife Samantha and children Brexton and Lennix. NASCAR flags flew at half-staff at tracks nationwide following the announcement.
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Sources:
https://www.npr.org/sections/news