NASCAR legend Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion, has died suddenly. The announcement was made by the Busch family, NASCAR, and Richard Childress Racing, revealing Busch had been hospitalized with a severe illness before his passing.

In a joint statement, the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR expressed profound devastation: “We are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch.” NASCAR further noted that Busch was a future Hall of Famer whose “fierce, passionate, immensely skilled” approach to racing created an enduring emotional connection with fans across generations.

Busch ranked 24th in the Cup Series standings this season with two top-10 finishes in 12 races. The Las Vegas native won championships in 2015 and 2019 and secured his last victory in 2023 with Richard Childress Racing. He earned 63 Cup Series wins, including the 2018 Coca-Cola 600, and remains one of NASCAR’s most polarizing figures due to his competitive spirit and record-setting career span.

Born May 2, 1985, Busch grew up racing in Las Vegas after moving from Schaumburg, Illinois. His journey followed his older brother Kurt’s path through local go-karts and Legends Cars before he entered professional competition at age 16 with Rick Hendrick’s team. Busch became the youngest Cup Series winner in his 31st start and later joined Joe Gibbs Racing following a pivotal career shift in 2008.

NASCAR described Busch as a “giant of the sport” whose legacy included fostering future drivers, creating iconic moments for fans, and building the loyal “Rowdy Nation.” His family—Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, parents Kurt and his wife—and Richard Childress Racing are left to mourn their loss.