Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion who won more races than anyone across NASCARs three national series, has died. He was 41.The Busch Family, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR issued a joint statement Thursday saying that Busch died after being hospitalized. No cause of death was given, according to the Associated Press. Buschs family said earlier Thursday that he was hospitalized with a severe illness, three days before he was to compete at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch, the statement said. 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 its fans.The statement went on to say that throughout a career that spanned more than two decades, Kyle set records in national series wins, won championships at NASCARs 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.The news comes 11 days after Busch radioed into his crew near the end of a Cup Series race at Watkins Glen, asking a doctor to give him a shot after he finished the race. According to the TV broadcast, Busch had been struggling with a sinus cold that was exacerbated by the intense G-forces and elevation changes at the New York road course.Busch finished the race in eighth place.Busch competed at Dover last weekend and won the Trucks Series race for Richard Childress Racing. He finished 17th at the NASCAR All-Star race.Absolute shock. Very hard to process, veteran NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski posted on social media.NASCAR driver and former teammate Denny Hamlin posted on social media: Absolutely cannot comprehend this news. We just need to think of his family during this time. We love you, KB.A polarizing figure known as Rowdy and Wild Thing for his post-race fights, regular feuds with other drivers, and sometimes outlandish behavior, the multi-talented Busch stormed onto the Cup Series scene in 2005 by winning Rookie of the Year.He went on to win championships in 2015 and 2019 for Joe Gibbs Racing.From Las Vegas, Busch experienced unrivaled success across NASCARs three national series, winning a combined 234 Cup, OReilly Auto Parts, and Trucks Series races. He had 63 Cup victories along with 102 OReilly Auto Parts wins and 69 Trucks victories - both records.Busch is the younger brother of Kyle Busch, a NASCAR Hall of Famer.Kyle Busch was said to be ready to race at NASCARs top level at 16, but a cigarette settlement banned his debut, and he had to wait until he was 18. At the time, Kurt Busch said, If you think Im good, wait until you see my brother.Busch is survived by his wife, Samantha, and children Brexton and Lennix.Community ReactionsAnna and I send our deepest condolences to the Busch family during this incredibly difficult time. Kyle was not just a talented and record-setting driver; he was also a kind person. His loss will be felt throughout the entire NASCAR community and well beyond. May his memory be a https://t.co/OiC6KBetpt Governor Josh Stein (@NC_Governor) May 21, 2026Our thoughts and prayers are with the Busch family. pic.twitter.com/rJliwxVkKI 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) May 21, 2026Kyle and I had a really challenging existence for many years. But we luckily took the time to figure out our differences and that was something he instigated with a conversation in his bus around how we each managed our racing teams. I was super eager for us to get on better Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) May 21, 2026There arent really words for today. Ive raced against Kyle for a long time, and anyone whos lined up next to him knows exactly what made him special, he gave you everything he had, every single lap, and he made all of us better for it.But more than the wins and the records, https://t.co/hLS9vioUyN Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (@StenhouseJr) May 21, 2026Absolutely cannot comprehend this news. We just need to think of his family during this time. We love you KB. https://t.co/cpaXg2HZGF Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) May 21, 2026Gonna miss you a lot, man. Thank you for being Kyle Busch and leaving your footprint for all of us to remember. Please pray for his family and ask God to give them comfort during this time. https://t.co/WnzFDTKdMa Chandler Smith (@CSmith_Racing) May 21, 2026Our hearts are broken for Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, and the entire Busch family. Kyle was a fierce competitor, an incredible teammate, and, far more importantly, a devoted husband, father, and son. His impact on our organization and on the sport of NASCAR will never be pic.twitter.com/Va7PzWEseG Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing) May 21, 2026Just a great dudeKyle Buschs death has devastated fans across the country, many of whom traveled to Charlotte Motor Speedway this week hoping to see the NASCAR legend in person.For lifelong fan Crew Wheeler, the loss feels personal.I pulled for him since I was 8 or 9 years old. Im almost 16 now I bought his car, shirts, and anything pretty much. I met him one time, thankfully. He was just a great dude.Crew and his father, Tim Wheeler, drove in from Kentucky for race week. Tim said the news stopped him in his tracks.We were just really devastated. Ive followed Kyle Buschs career ever since he came into NASCAR.Fans came from far beyond the region. A couple from Ontario, Canada, made the trip to honor Busch. Jodi Reese said she became a fan because of Buschs polarizing, fiery personality.As soon as we heard that Kyle had passed, I had to put RIP KFB Kyle Freaking Busch.For some, Buschs sudden death sparked deeper reflection. Bill Brevard, who traveled from Maryland, said it made him think about his own health.Im a stage 4 pancreatic cancer patient They gave me six months. If I had listened to my wife and gotten checked out a little earlier, maybe I wouldnt be stage 4, Brevard expressed. Fans say Buschs legacy his talent, intensity, and authenticity will stay with them long after his final race.