NASCAR Won't Feel the Same Without Kyle Busch-Rest In Peace "Rowdy"
Image: NASCAR NASCAR lost one of the most accomplished and polarizing drivers in modern stock car racing on Thursday, as Kyle Busch passed away at the age of 41. Busch's family, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR confirmed the news in a joint statement after the two-time Cup Series champion had reportedly been hospitalized earlier in the day with a severe illness. For more than two decades, Busch occupied a rare place in the sport.
He was one of NASCAR's most naturally gifted drivers, one of its most controversial personalities, and one of the few drivers who received cheers and boos in equal measure during driver introductions. Fans either loved "Rowdy" or couldn't stand him-regardless of how you felt, this is a huge loss. Image: NASCAR "On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch.
"Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch. 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. 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.
NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon. "During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family's privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Further updates will be shared as appropriate.