Two-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Kyle Busch, who was born on May 2, 1985, has passed away at the age of 41.

NASCAR made the announcement on Thursday evening in a post to social media, “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 motorsports community,” NASCAR concluded.

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… pic.twitter.com/FARIF6OKrw

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 21, 2026

The Busch family, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR also released a joint statement that reads, “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,” it continued. “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.”

A joint statement on behalf of the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR. pic.twitter.com/7fYGjIqxoJ

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 21, 2026

It was announced earlier this morning that Busch was hospitalized due to a “severe illness.” His family posted to his social media accounts, “Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization. He is currently undergoing treatment and will not compete in any of his scheduled activities this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation.”

Statement Regarding Kyle Busch from the Busch Family:

“Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization. He is currently undergoing treatment and will not compete in any of his scheduled activities this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. We ask for…

— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) May 21, 2026

Kyle Busch won the NASCAR Cup Series Championship in 2015 and 2019 with Joe Gibbs Racing and he advanced to the Championship 4 in five straight seasons from 2015-2019. He was the Regular Season Champion in 2018 and 2019. He racked up 63 wins in the Cup Series and is 9th all time in wins. He was the most among active drivers at the time of his passing. His wins include a number of crown jewels including the Southern 500 in 2008, the Brickyard 400 in 2015 and 2016. In 2017 he won the All-Star Race. He won the Coca-Cola 600 in 2019. He also won the Busch Clash in 2012 and 2021. 

He won the 2009 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2009. He holds the record for the most wins in the series with 102 all-time. He also won in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series 69 times and holds the record for the most win there as well. In total he has 234 total NASCAR national series wins. He’s the only driver to win at least 60 wins in all three of NASCAR’s top series.