Kyle Busch asked for doctor immediately after NASCAR race 11 days before sudden death

NASCAR star Kyle Busch requested medical assistance after a race 11 days before his sudden death at the age of 41.

Busch's family announced on Thursday that he had passed away, hours after being hospitalised with what was described as a 'severe illness'. His cause of death has not been confirmed.

Busch drove full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, the top division of stock car racing, and also competed in the Craftsman Truck Series on a part-time basis.

The two-time Cup Series champion competed in what would be his final race in the Craftsman Truck Series last Friday.

He secured pole position in the Ecosave 200 at the Dover Motor Speedway, and won the race after leading 147 laps.

His final Cup Series race came five days earlier, with Busch finishing eighth at the Watkins Glen road course.

During the race, he had been suffering from illness, and requested medical assistance via his team radio post-race.

"Can somebody try to find Bill Heisel? He's the kindred doctor guy," Busch told his race engineer. "Tell him I need him after the race, please."

"Do you want Mr. Bill at your car or at your bus after the race?" the team replied.

"Bus," Busch answered. "I'm going to need a shot."

The FOX TV broadcast claimed that Busch had a sinus cold which, as per Associated Press, was exacerbated by the intense G-forces and elevation changes at the Watkins Glen circuit.

Six days after the race, he told motorsport reporter Jeff Gluck that he had been suffering from a 'substantial' cough during the race: "You can kinda still hear it. I'm still not great. But the cough was pretty substantial last week."

Last week at WGI, @KyleBusch called for medical help after the race. He said it was due to a substantial cough. pic.twitter.com/HN4ROPJr0R

— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) May 16, 2026

At around 10:30am ET this Thursday morning, Busch's family announced that he had withdrawn from both the Cup Series and Craftsman Truck Series races at Charlotte this weekend.

"Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization," the statement began.

"He is currently undergoing treatment and will not compete in any of his scheduled activities this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation."

It was subsequently announced at around 5:30pm that Busch had passed away.

NASCAR, RCR, Busch family statement on Kyle Busch

His family, NASCAR and Richard Childress Racing - the team he had raced for since 2023 - said in a joint statement: "We are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch.

"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.

"His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud of and loyal 'Rowdy Nation'.

"Our thoughts are with [wife] Samantha, [children] Brexton and Lennix, Kyle and Samantha's parents, [brother and former NASCAR driver] Kurt and all of Kyle's family, Richard and Judy Childress, everyone at Richard Childress Racing, his team-mates, 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."

Busch won his first NASCAR Cup Series title in 2015, following it up with a second triumph in 2019.

Alongside his commitments in NASCAR, he also previously competed in endurance and midget car racing.

He was reportedly offered a contract to drive for the USF1 Team in Formula 1 ahead of the 2010 season, but he rejected the offer and the team folded in any case.

Busch also made several appearances in WWE and was one of 57 people to win its now-defunct 24/7 Championship after pinning R-Truth.