Kyle Busch News: NASCAR Makes Decision on Coca-Cola 600
On Thursday morning the Busch family released a brief statement revealing NASCAR star Kyle Busch was hospitalized following a "severe illness."
"Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization," the statement read. "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."
Hours later the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion was dead.
An official cause of death has not been announced and the family has not released a new statement regarding his passing as of Friday morning.
NASCAR Makes Decision on Coca-Cola 600
NASCAR officials confirmed to Sports Business Journal that the Coca-Cola 600 will "go on as planned Sunday."
While the race will go on as scheduled, Charlotte Motor Speedway vice president of communications, Jonathan Coleman, revealed the speedway is planning to honor Busch's legacy on and off the track this weekend.
"An opportunity to pay tribute to all that he meant to the sport, to Charlotte Motor Speedway's winningest driver across all three major series," Coleman told WCNC.
Busch Family Released Initial Statement Revealing His Death
The Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR made a joint statement after his passing on Thursday.
"On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch," it read. "Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch.
"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."
The Coca-Cola 600 will continue as scheduled at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 24.
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This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the Sports section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 5:47 AM.