Kyle Busch was found unresponsive in racing simulator before shocking death at 41
NASCAR star Kyle Busch became unresponsive while testing a racing simulator in Concord, N.C., the day before his death and had to be hospitalized, sources told the Associated Press.
Busch died Thursday at the age of 41 after being hospitalized with what had been described as serious illness, and no official cause of death has been revealed.
His family posted a message on his X account on Thursday at 10:23 a.m. ET stating he had been hospitalized and would not compete this weekend.
Kyle Busch, driver of the #8 Lucas Oil Chevrolet, waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway on May 17, 2026 in Dover, Delaware.Getty Images
Kyle Busch poses for photos after winning the pole award during qualifying for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series ECOSAVE 200 at Dover Motor Speedway on May 15, 2026 in Dover, Delaware.Getty Images“Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization,” the family wrote. “He is currently undergoing treatment and will not compete in any of his scheduled activities this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation.”
Busch’s family, Nascar and Richard Childress Racing then released a statement a little over seven hours later announcing he had died.
“A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation,” the joint statement read. “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.’”
Kyle Busch and Samantha Busch arrive on the red carpet for the 59th Annual CMA Awards at Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025.Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Busch dealt with a medical issue earlier this month, with the star racer saying during the middle of a May 10 race that he would need to see a doctor after finishing his circuit.
The broadcast crew mentioned that he had been dealing with a sinus issue, with the AP reporting that the broadcasters noted how “Busch had been struggling with a sinus cold exacerbated by the intense G-forces and elevation changes at the New York road course.”
Kyle Busch, driver of the #8 Lucas Oil Chevrolet, walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway on May 17, 2026 in Dover, Delaware.Getty Images
“I’m gonna need a shot,” Busch said during the race.
The ailment still bothered him last week, when he told The Athletic while motioning toward his face: “You can kind of hear it, I’m still not great. The cough was pretty substantial last week.”
Busch was one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers, twice winning the Cup Series (2015, 2019) and ranking ninth all-time in NASCAR Cup Series wins with 63.
Kyle Busch, driver of the #7 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series ECOSAVE 200 at Dover Motor Speedway on May 15, 2026 in Dover, Delaware.Getty ImagesHis final race came Sunday at the Nascar All-Star Race, where he finished 17th.
Busch is survived by his wife, Samantha, 11-year-old son Brexton and 4-year-old daughter Lennix.
https://nypost.com/2026/05/22/sports/kyle-busch-was-found-unresponsive-in-racing-simulator-before-shocking-death-at-41/
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