The legendary driver holds the record for most wins across the top three Nascar divisions

Kyle Busch, the legendary two-time Nascar Cup Series champion, has died at the age of 41. His death was confirmed on Thursday after his family had announced earlier in the day that Busch had been hospitalized after suffering from a “severe illness” and would miss the Coca-Cola 600. No cause of death was given.

“We are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch,” the Busch Family, Richard Childress Racing, and Nascar said in a joint statement “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.”

Busch holds the record for most wins across the top three Nascar divisions. He won Cup Series championships in 2015 and 2019 and was in his fourth season at Richard Childress Racing. Throughout his career, he scored 234 Nascar national series races — the most of any driver in history.

“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 continued. “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.”

Days before his death, Busch took home his final Nascar win in the Craftsman Truck Series race. His post-race interview has began to circulate online and his words now hold a bittersweet note following his passing. As he stood in Victory Lane at Dover Motor Speedway, he was asked on camera why these moments never get old. With a slight smile on his face, Busch replied, “Because you never know when the last one is.”