'Absolute shock': Two-time NASCAR champion Kyle Busch dead at 41, days after winning race
The motorsport world has been rocked by news of the sudden death of two-time NASCAR champion Kyle Busch aged just 41.
Busch had earlier on Thursday evening (AEST) been hospitalised with a "severe illness", before a statement confirmed his death on Friday morning. No cause of death was given.
Just last weekend, he won the third-tier truck race at Dover on Saturday morning (AEST), before competing in the Cup series' All-Star race on Monday.
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"Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch," the statement, jointly issued by NASCAR, Busch's family and his Richard Childress Racing team said.
Kyle Busch celebrating his 2019 championship victory. Getty
"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'.
" ... NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon."
Busch had reportedly been battling illness for several weeks. After the race at Watkins Glen a fortnight ago, Busch asked on his way back to the pits for a doctor to meet him at his garage.
Busch was racing in his 22nd full-time season in NASCAR's top Cup division. He was the champion in 2015 and 2019, and a victor in 63 races - putting him ninth on the all-time win list. He was the youngest winner in Cup series history when he claimed his maiden victory in 2005.
He also has 102 victories in the second-tier national series, and 69 in the third-tier truck series.
Busch competed in the All-Star race on Monday morning. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Busch is the younger brother of 2004 series champion Kurt Busch.
Kyle was a polarising figure throughout his career - adored by his fans, but booed by his detractors for his brash nature and aggressive driving style.
Busch is survived by his parents and his wife, Samantha, whom he married on New Year's Eve in 2010. The couple have two children - son Brexton, who turned 11 on Monday, and 4-year-old daughter Lennix.
