Kyle Busch has passed away at the age of 41. The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion was hospitalized on Thursday morning for a “serious illness”, which he succumbed to later in the afternoon.
The passing of Busch is a shock to the entire NASCAR community, who watched as the Las Vegas, Nevada-native won his 234th and final NASCAR National Series event at Dover Motor Speedway just six days ago, and competed in his final NASCAR All-Star Race just four days ago.
In the hours since Busch’s passing was announced by his family, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR, the tributes have begun to flood in, as many notable stakeholders in the industry have learned of this tragedy.
Statement from the Busch Family, RCR, and NASCAR: “On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch.
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.’ 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.”
Mark Reuss, President of GM: “The shocking news of Kyle’s passing is devastating to me, and to everyone at Chevrolet and General Motors. Our hearts go out to Samantha, their children, Brexton and Lennix, and the Busch family, everyone at RCR, Kyle’s legions of fans, and all of Rowdy Nation. He was a fierce competitor who found success both as a driver and team owner, as well as a generous benefactor to countless families with the Bundle of Joy Fund he founded with his wife, Samantha. On top of all that, he found time to be a true friend to us all.”
Tyler Gibbs, President of TRD USA: “Kyle was an incredible champion who demanded perfection every single day due to his deep desire to win. Kyle and Toyota were synonymous with winning for 15 years, with countless record-breaking milestones, race victories, and multiple championships celebrated together. While there were many exciting moments spent in victory lane, Kyle’s personal relationship with the entire Toyota family was even more memorable. His impact on NASCAR and the whole motorsports community cannot be measured. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, and the entire Busch family during this difficult time.”
Anton Vincent, President of Mars: “At Mars, we are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of legendary NASCAR driver Kyle Busch. Kyle drove the No. 18 M&M’s car for 15 years and brought home the NASCAR Monster Cup Series Championship in 2019. He represented our brands with great passion, elite preparation, and a deep and abiding loyalty. Kyle never ran a race he didn’t think he could win and always made time for his adoring fans. Through it all, Kyle’s focus was always his beautiful family. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Samantha, their two children, and his many fans.
Joe Gibbs Racing
- Busch competed for Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series from 2008 to 2022, amassing 56 wins in the Cup Series and 90 wins in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
Rick Hendrick, Owner of Hendrick Motorsports:
- Busch competed in the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series for Hendrick Motorsports from 2003 to 2007, and amassed four Cup and 11 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series victories for the organization.
Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman of Hendrick Motorsports:
- Jeff Gordon and Kyle Busch were teammates in the NASCAR Cup Series at Hendrick Motorsports from 2004 to 2007.
Brad Keselowski, Co-Owner of RFK Racing:
- Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski were one of the best rivalries of the 2010s, and often came together both in the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Both drivers were successful team owners in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
Marcus Smith, CEO of Speedway Motorsports:
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Sponsor of Kyle Busch:
- Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen was a major primary sponsor of Kyle Busch and the No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet since the two-time champion first joined the organization in 2023.
Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Co-Owner of JR Motorsports and Prime Video Analyst:
Marty Smith, SportsCenter and TNT Sports Analyst
Indianapolis Motor Speedway:
- Kyle Busch was a two-time winner of the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and a four-time winner in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at the 2.5-mile speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana.
LEGACY MOTOR CLUB:
- LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, co-owned by Jimmie Johnson, fields the No. 42 and No. 43 Toyota Camry XSEs in the NASCAR Cup Series, driven by John Hunter Nemechek and Erik Jones.
Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Cup Series Driver (No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing):
- Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch were teammates at Joe Gibbs Racing from 2008 to 2022. Busch and Hamlin are the two winningest drivers in the history of the championship-winning organization.
F1:
Ricky Stenhouse, NASCAR Cup Series Driver (No. 47 HYAK Motorsports):
IMSA:
Denver Broncos:
Scott McLaughlin, NTT IndyCar Series Driver (No. 3 Team Penske):
Chandler Smith, NASCAR Trucks Driver (No. 38 Front Row Motorsports)
- Chandler Smith previously competed for Kyle Busch Motorsports in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series from 2019 to 2023.
Supercars:
Josh Stein, North Carolina Governor:
James Hinchcliffe, INDYCAR on FOX Analyst:
Daniel Suarez, NASCAR Cup Series Driver (No. 7 Spire Motorsports):
- Daniel Suarez previously competed in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for Kyle Busch Motorsports from 2015 to 2016.
William Byron, NASCAR Cup Series Driver (No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports):
- William Byron competed for Kyle Busch Motorsports in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2016.
Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Driver (No. 22 Team Penske):
Kaden Honeycutt, NASCAR Truck Series Driver (No. 11 TRICON Garage):
Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Cup Series Driver (No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing):
RFK Racing:
Freddie Kraft:
Amy Earnhardt:
ThorSport Racing:
Carson Hocevar, NASCAR Cup Series Driver (No. 77 Spire Motorsports):
Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver (No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports):
Josh Berry, NASCAR Cup Series Driver (No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing):
Ryan Vargas:
Christopher Bell, NASCAR Cup Series Driver (No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing):
Nick Sanchez:
David Starr:
Bubba Wallace, NASCAR Cup Series Driver (No. 23 23XI Racing):
Noah Gragson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver (No. 4 Front Row Motorsports):
Jay Frye, President of INDYCAR:
Katherine Legge
Stewart Friesen:
William Shatner:
