The NASCAR community lost an icon this week in two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch.
Busch was hospitalized on Wednesday with a severe illness. The full details regarding the cause of his death haven’t been revealed at this time, nor is his family obligated to share them. However, TMZ said he was dealing with shortness of breath.
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“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 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,” NASCAR said in a statement.
“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.”
Mar 29, 2026; Martinsville, Virginia, USA; Richard Childress Racing driver Kyle Busch (8) during practice at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images© Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images.
NASCAR fans noticed that Busch’s 11-year-old son, Brexton, changed his profile picture on Facebook to a photo of them hugging.
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“Poor kid is gonna grow up without his dad I’m heartbroken,” one fan said.
“This is so so sad,” a second fan wrote.
“This completely wrecked me all over again,” another fan commented.
Richard Childress Racing suspending the No. 8 car for Brexton.
On Friday afternoon, Richard Childress Racing announced that Busch’s No. 8 car will be suspended indefinitely. That vehicle will remain reserved for Brexton.
“Richard Childress Racing has elected to suspend use of the No. 8 and will run the No. 33 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and beyond. Kyle Busch was instrumental in the design of RCR’s stylized No. 8 and it has become synonymous with Kyle and an important symbol for his fans and the NASCAR industry. No one can carry it forward to the level that he did. The No. 8 is reserved and ready for Brexton Busch when he is ready to go NASCAR racing.”
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Brexton has already competed in Outlaw Karts and the Bandolero Bandits National Championship, so he’s no stranger to the track. It’s way too early to speculate about a career in NASCAR though.
All that matters is that the motorsports community continues to support the Busch family during this challenging time.
This story was originally published by The Spun on May 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the NASCAR section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
