2-time NASCAR champ Kyle Busch dies at 41 after 'severe illness'

Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and record-setting winner across NASCAR’s three national series, died at age 41 after being hospitalized. A joint statement from his family, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR said no cause of death was provided. The family previously 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 the younger brother of Kurt Busch. His career included national series win records, championships at NASCAR’s highest level, and fostering new drivers as an owner in the Truck Series. He recently won a Truck Series race at Dover and finished eighth at Watkins Glen after seeking medical help for a sinus cold.

"Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion who won more races than anyone across NASCAR's three national series, has died. He was 41. The Busch Family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR issued a joint statement Thursday saying that 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 at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway."

""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.""

""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.'""

"The news comes 11 days after Busch radioed into his crew near the end of a Cup Series race at Watkins Glen asking a doctor to give him a "shot" after he finished the race. According to the TV broadcast, Busch had been struggling with a sinus cold that was exacerbated by the intense G-forces and elevation changes at the New York road course. Busch finished the race in eighth place."

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