Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch died Thursday at the age of 41. The motorsports veteran became unresponsive on Wednesday while testing in a Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord, North Carolina. The Busch family, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR confirmed he passed away following hospitalization for a severe illness.
Busch had been struggling with his health in the weeks leading up to the incident. According to a report by the Associated Press, the intense G-forces and elevation changes at the New York road course exacerbated a sinus cold Busch was battling. During the May 10 race at Watkins Glen, the driver asked his team over the car audio for a doctor. He specifically requested Dr. Bill Heisel, stating, “Tell him I need him after the race, please.”
Busch told reporters on May 16 that his cough was pretty substantial. He was scheduled to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway this Sunday before his family announced his hospitalization. The racing simulator where he collapsed is regularly used by drivers and manufacturers to gather data before major race weekends.
The Carolina Hurricanes honored Busch with a moment of remembrance prior to Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Former rival Dale Earnhardt Jr. publicly honored his peer, describing Busch as “One of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history.” NASCAR officials confirmed the 400-lap Coca-Cola 600 will proceed as planned, with Austin Hill replacing Busch in the No. 8 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.