Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch reportedly became unresponsive while testing in a Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord, North Carolina, one day before his death at age 41.
According to multiple reports, Busch was transported to a hospital after suffering a medical emergency Wednesday. His family announced Thursday that he had died following what they described as a “severe illness.”
No official cause of death has been released.
Busch had recently dealt with health issues and was forced to withdraw from this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Reports said he experienced respiratory and sinus-related problems earlier this month during races at Watkins Glen and Dover.
Known by fans as “Rowdy,” Busch was one of NASCAR’s most accomplished and polarizing drivers, winning Cup Series championships in 2015 and 2019 while compiling 63 career Cup victories and more than 230 wins across NASCAR’s top three national series.
Tributes from across the racing world poured in Thursday following news of his death, including messages from fellow drivers, teams, and fans mourning one of the sport’s biggest stars.
