NASCAR icon Kyle Busch has died at the age of 41, it has been confirmed.The American was rushed to hospital with a ‘serious illness’ on Thursday ahead of the Coca-Cola 600, with Austin Hill named to step in as his replacement for the race.Busch passed away suddenly after being rushed to hospital on ThursdayGettyBusch’s untimely passing was confirmed later in the day.“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,” a statement from NASCAR read.“We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire motorsports community.”‘Generational talent’A joint statement from the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR then followed as it read: “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 only 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.’ “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.“During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Further updates will be shared as appropriate.”The NASCAR world has been rocked by the passing of BuschGetty‘Champion among champions’Speedway Motorsports CEO Marcus Smith has also since released a statement, which reads: “Kyle Busch was a champion among champions — a once-in-a-generation competitor whose grit, unmistakable driving style and relentless pursuit of excellence elevated him to a place among the very best drivers in our sport. “When Kyle climbed behind the wheel, he brought an intensity and determination that demanded respect from his competitors and inspired fans throughout motorsports.“At Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kyle etched his name in history, earning more victories across NASCAR’s top three series than any other driver in our sport, highlighted by his victory in the 2018 Coca-Cola 600. “Many of his remarkable 234 NASCAR victories came at Speedway Motorsports tracks where his talent and competitive spirit created countless memorable moments for more than two decades.“Beyond his extraordinary accomplishments in NASCAR, Kyle’s passion for racing extended deeply into dirt racing and U.S. Legend Car competition, where he proudly shared the track with his son, Brexton. “Away from the race track, Kyle was a savvy businessman, a devoted father and a loyal friend whose impact was felt far beyond the sport.“Our hearts are with Samantha, Brexton, Lennix and the entire Busch family during this incredibly difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences, prayers and unwavering support as they mourn the loss of someone who meant so much to so many.”Busch secured championships in 2015 and 2019, with the Las Vegas native having been involved in the sport since 2003 as an 18-year-old. He held the record for the most wins across NASCAR’s three national series – the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Of his 234 career wins, 63 came in Cup Series races, while he has held 35 pole positions, 254 top-five place finishes and 394 top-10 placings during his career at that level. At the time of his passing, the 41-year-old was in his fourth season with Richard Childress Racing following a successful tenure at Joe Gibbs Racing. He had two top-10 finishes in 12 races of the season, in which he ranked 24th in the Cup Series. His last win – which has proven to be his final – came back in 2023, which so happened to be his inaugural win with RCR. Breaking news. More to follow…