Departures of note

Kyle Thomas Busch was born on May 2, 1985, in Las Vegas, Nevada, and began racing at a young age, quickly rising through legends cars, late models, and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. He made his Cup Series debut in 2004 and became known for his aggressive style and relentless competitiveness.

During a career that spanned more than twenty years, Busch amassed 63 Cup wins, captured championships in 2015 and 2019, and set records for the most wins across NASCAR’s three national series. He also owned Kyle Busch Motorsports, developing future talent in the Truck Series, and earned a reputation as a future Hall of Famer.

In May 2026, Busch was hospitalized with a severe illness and died at age 41, prompting tributes from NASCAR, fellow drivers, and fans who remembered his skill, passion, and lasting impact on the sport.