'Absolute shock': NASCAR world reacts to death of Kyle Busch
Kyle Busch, one of the most decorated NASCAR drivers of all time, has died at 41. Here are some notable reactions from across the motorsports world.
Kyle Busch , one of the greatest NASCAR drivers of all time, died Thursday, May 21. He was 41 years old. "Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch," read a joint statement between the Busch family, NASCAR and Joe Gibbs Racing.
"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 fans. Throughout a career that spanned more than two decades, Kyle set records in national series wins, won championships at NASCAR’s highest level and fostered the next generation of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series.
" Busch was in his 22nd season competing in NASCAR's top division and was scheduled to race at Charlotte Motor Speedway this season. The Las Vegas native won Cup championships in 2015 and 2019 with Joe Gibbs Racing and his 63 Cup Series victories is ninth-best in NASCAR history. "His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal ‘Rowdy Nation.
’ Our thoughts are with Samantha, Brexton and Lennix, Kyle and Samantha’s parents, Kurt and all of Kyle’s family, Richard and Judy Childress, everyone at Richard Childress Racing, his teammates, friends and fans," the statement continued. "NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon. " Busch's sudden passing from a "severe illness" sent shockwaves through the motorsports landscape, with the reactions pouring in from social media from peers to mentees, to media pundits.