2-time NASCAR champ Kyle Busch dies at 41 after being hospitalized with a 'severe illness'

Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, died at age 41. The Busch family, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR issued a joint statement saying he died after being hospitalized, without providing a cause of death. Earlier that day, his family said he was hospitalized with a “severe illness” three days before he was scheduled to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Busch was testing in a Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord on Wednesday when he became unresponsive and was transported to a hospital in Charlotte. He was the younger brother of Kurt Busch. Tributes described Busch as a rare talent, fierce competitor, and influential figure who set records, won championships, and helped foster new drivers as an owner in the Truck Series.

"The Busch Family, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR issued a joint statement Thursday saying Busch died after being hospitalized. No cause of death was given. Busch's family said earlier Thursday that he was hospitalized with a "severe illness," three days before he was to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway."

"Busch was testing in the Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord on Wednesday when he became unresponsive and was transported to a hospital in Charlotte, several people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because details have not been disclosed by Busch's team or family."

""Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch," the statement said. "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.""

"The statement went on to say that "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.'""

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