NASCAR’s Kyle Busch Hospitalized With “Severe Illness,” Family Releases Statement
on May 21, 2026 • Updated May 21, 2026
UPDATE – THURSDAY, MAY 21, 5:20 PM CT
Sadly, NASCAR confirmed in a statement released on Thursday evening, May 21st, that Kyle Busch died at the age of 41. The statement read:
“We are saddened and heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion and one of our sport’s greatest and fiercest drivers. He was 41 years old. We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire motorsports community.”
We are saddened and heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion and one of our sport's greatest and fiercest drivers. He was 41 years old.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 21, 2026
We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire… pic.twitter.com/FARIF6OKrw
ORIGINAL STORY FOLLOWS
Kyle Busch, the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, has been hospitalized.
41-year-old Busch was supposed to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday (May 24th). But earlier today (May 21st), his family released a statement on social media announcing he will no longer be able to participate in the event.
The Busch family’s statement reads, “Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization.” They noted that “He is currently undergoing treatment and will not compete in any of his scheduled activities this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway.”
The statement didn’t go into any further detail about Busch’s illness. PEOPLE reports that Busch appeared to be experiencing health issues earlier this month.
After finishing the race at Watkins Glen International on May 10th, Busch was reportedly heard asking his team to bring a doctor to his bus. Reporters during the televised broadcast said Busch was dealing with a “sinus cold.”
At the current moment, Busch’s loved ones asked fans to respect their privacy “as our family navigates this situation” with him in the hospital
See the Busch family’s statement below.
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Busch has been married to his wife, Samantha, since 2010. They share two children: a son, Brexton Locke (age 11), and a daughter, Lennix Key (age 4).
Both of Busch’s children and Busch himself celebrated their birthdays in May. The last post he shared on social media before news broke about his hospitalization was celebrating his son’s 11th birthday on May 18th.
“Happy Birthday Brexton!!! Your mom & I are so proud of who you’re turning out to be! You’re the best kid on & off the track, you amaze us every day,” Busch wrote. “Keep doing what you’re doing and there is no limit to what you’ll accomplish! Love you buddy!”
Richard Childress Racing Names Kyle Busch’s Substitute In The Coca-Cola 600
Richard Childress Racing announced that Austin Hill will step up to serve as Busch’s substitute during the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24th.
“Kyle Busch’s health is our upmost priority and he and his family have the full resources of RCR behind them,” RCR said in a statement on social media. “Kyle is an integral part of our organization and we wish him a safe and speedy recovery. His No. 8 Chevrolet will be ready and waiting for him.”
RCR continued to say, “We’re thankful to Austin Hill for stepping in to drive the No. 8 Chevrolet this weekend. Please keep Kyle and the Busch family in your prayers, and help us respect the family’s privacy at this time.“
Kyle Busch’s health is our upmost priority and he and his family have the full resources of RCR behind them. Kyle is an integral part of our organization and we wish him a safe and speedy recovery. His No. 8 Chevrolet will be ready and waiting for him. We’re thankful to Austin…
— RCR (@RCRracing) May 21, 2026
This is Busch’s fourth season with RCR.
As the Associated Press details, Busch currently ranks 24th in the Cup Series standings. He has earned two Top 10 finishes in 12 races so far this season.
It’s been 7 years since Busch won his last championship in 2019, and 11 years since he won his first in 2015.
Check out the video below to watch the moment when Busch won his second Cup Series championship in 2019. That was back when he drove the #18 M&Ms-sponsored Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing. Just a few years later, in 2022, Busch announced that he had signed a multi-year contract with RCR.
We’ll be keeping the Busch family in our prayers during this difficult time…
