Kyle Busch, Who Won Races With Skill and Swagger, Dies

Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion who won more races than anyone across NASCAR's three national series, has died. His family, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR issued a joint statement Thursday saying that Busch died at 41 after being hospitalized. No cause of death was given, the AP reports. "A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation," the statement said. "He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans."

Busch, who called himself "Rowdy," won 234 NASCAR national series races in total, more than any other driver in history, per the Athletic. He won his Cup Series titles in 2015 and 2019. His combination of swagger and skill entertained and polarized NASCAR fans. Busch became known for his post-race fights, regular feuds with other drivers, and sometimes outlandish behavior after bursting onto the Cup Series scene in 2005 by winning Rookie of the Year. His last win came in 2023, per ESPN. Busch had struggled for results this season and was 24th in points.

He last mentioned health issues publicly after a May 10 race at Watkins Glen, when he requested medical attention for what was described on the broadcast as a sinus cold aggravated by race conditions. The AP reports that after his 69th career Truck Series win at Dover last week, Busch was asked how many wins he wants before he retires. "You take whatever you can get, man," he said. "You never know when the last one is going to be, so cherish them all—trust me."