Nascar champion Busch dies aged 41

Two-time Nascar Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has died, aged 41. The sudden passing of the Nascar legend, who was ninth on the circuit's all-time win list, was announced in a joint statement on Thursday by the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and Nascar. They did not share a cause of death.

Busch's representatives had said earlier on Thursday that he had been sent to hospital with a severe illness. "A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation," the statement reads. "He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans.

... Nascar lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon. " At the time of his death, Busch was in his 22nd full-time season in Nascar's top division, where he had won two Cup Series titles and 63 races.

"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," the statement said. "His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal 'Rowdy Nation. '" Busch was scheduled to compete at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway over the upcoming holiday weekend in the United States.