The NASCAR world was shaken to its core after the news of Kyle Busch's passing broke on Thursday. The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion was 41. 

Busch, who was nicknamed "Rowdy" by fans, was hospitalised earlier in the day. His family issued a statement, notifying that he was suffering from a "severe illness, and shortly after, Richard Childress Racing confirmed his absence from the upcoming Coca-Cola 600, with Austin Hill set to replace him. 

Kyle Busch's career, which spanned over two decades, was one of the most decorated. He won 234 races across all three NASCAR tiers. In the Cup Series itself, he won 63 races, which ranks him ninth all-time behind legends like Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, and Richard Petty, among others.

His last win came in the Truck Series race at Dover Motor Speedway last Friday, May 15. It was his 69th Truck victory and extended his record for most wins of all time in the series. 

While the nature of his illness has yet to be revealed, the NASCAR world has shared condolences to Busch's family and close ones.

NASCAR Drivers React to "Unfathomable" Kyle Busch News

Hours after the news broke out, drivers took to their social media to remember the two-time NASCAR Cup Champion.

Former teammate at Joe Gibbs Racing, Denny Hamlin, who recently feuded with Busch over performance concerns, reacted to the news, writing, "Absolutely cannot comprehend this news. We just need to think of his family during this time. We love you KB." 

Brad Keselowski and Busch had the longest-running rivalry on track. But reacting to the shocking news, the RFK Racing co-owner wrote, "Absolute shock. Very hard to process. Hug your loved ones."

Keselowski followed it up with a longer post about their rivalry and how, with Busch gone, "I feel a little like the coyote with no more roadrunner to chase."

Corey Heim, who made his Truck Series debut with Kyle Busch Motorsports, wrote, "Unfathomable news. I was fortunate to spend 2 years racing for Kyle at KBM. His guidance and leadership was something I will cherish forever. RIP"

NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin, who had publicly shown his support for Kyle Busch amid his slump, wrote on X, "I'm in shock and speechless."

Daniel Suarez, who was mentored by Busch in his early days of racing, recalled their close bond, writing:

"In 2015, I used to call Kyle once a week for his help and guidance as I started going to racetracks for the first time. He gave me a hand when I was brand new to this. I am in complete shock. I am thinking of his family during this incredibly difficult time.  Much love amigo."

Many other NASCAR entities shared their tributes on social media, including Jimmie Johnson, Kaden Honeycutt, Team Penske, and, among others, celebrities like Sage Steel, WWE legend Ric Flair, and more.

Kyle Busch is survived by his wife, Samantha, and two children, 11-year-old son Brexton, who is following in the racing footsteps of his father, and 4-year-old daughter Lennix. He leaves behind a racing career filled with memorable moments and a legacy that will live on forever.

Read more at the RFK Racing Digest

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco

Edited by

Yask Kotak