NASCAR announced Thursday afternoon that Kyle Busch, the two-time Cup Series champion and the winningest driver in the history of NASCAR’s three national series, has died. The joint statement from the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR was posted on NASCAR’s official X account.

The announcement came hours after the Busch family shared a separate statement on Kyle’s X account confirming he had been hospitalized with a severe illness and was undergoing treatment. That earlier update noted Busch would miss his scheduled activities at Charlotte Motor Speedway, including this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600 events. The family stated: “Kyle has been hospitalized with an undisclosed illness and will not compete at Charlotte Motor Speedway.”

Before the death announcement, NBC Sports reported on an Associated Press story detailing Busch’s hospitalization and career status. According to the broadcast, Busch had sought medical assistance following the May 10 race at Watkins Glen after experiencing symptoms exacerbated by the road course’s intense G-forces and elevation changes. He finished eighth in that event and remained 24th in the Cup Series standings through 12 races. Austin Hill was named to replace him at the Coca-Cola 600.

Signs of distress appeared nearly two weeks prior, when NASCAR on FOX reported Busch had requested a doctor following the Watkins Glen race. RACER also confirmed Thursday morning that Busch was hospitalized with an undisclosed illness and would not compete in both the Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 and the Craftsman Truck Series race at Spire Motorsports.

Busch, a Las Vegas native who won the NASCAR Cup Series championships in 2015 and 2019, is survived by his wife Samantha and their children, Brexton and Lennix. He accumulated 63 Cup Series victories and 234 career wins across NASCAR’s three national series—the most in the sport’s history. Known as “Rowdy” to fans, Busch drove the No. 8 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing and had won a recent Truck Series race at Dover Motor Speedway.

Richard Childress Racing stated Kyle’s health was their top priority and confirmed Austin Hill would drive the No. 8 Chevrolet in his place, with Busch’s car prepared for him upon return. The family requested fans respect their privacy during this difficult time.