Two-time Nascar Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has died at age 41. The sudden passing was announced Thursday in a joint statement by the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and Nascar. No cause of death was provided, though Busch had been hospitalized earlier that day with a severe illness.
Busch was in his 22nd full-time season in Nascar's top division, with two Cup Series titles and 63 career wins. He was ninth on the all-time win list. He was scheduled to compete at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend.
Tributes poured in from drivers and teams. Denny Hamlin called him a legend. Dale Earnhardt Jr., once a rival, praised Busch for mending their relationship. Busch leaves behind his wife, two young children, and his parents.