The global motorsports community has been plunged into mourning following the sudden death of two-time NASCAR Cup Series championKyle Buschat the age of 41. Busch, one of the most polarising and prodigiously talented figures in modern racing history, passed away on Thursday afternoon, 21 May, after a swift and 'severe illness'.
In the emotional wake of his passing, an interview clip from his last week's race has resurfaced, where he reflected on his victory that 'never gets old,' in which he gave a prophetic answer.
On Wednesday, 20 May, Busch was testing in a specialised Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord when he suddenly became unresponsive. Emergency medical teams transported the driver to a hospital in nearby Charlotte, where he remained until his tragic passing the following day, as reported by theAssociated Press.
The 41-year-old NASCAR racer's passing was formally confirmed via a heartbreakingjoint statementreleased by the Busch family, NASCAR, and his current team, Richard Childress Racing. The release highlighted thedevastating shock felt across the sportfor a driver who defined a generation of stock-car racing.
We are saddened and heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion and one of our sport's greatest and fiercest drivers. He was 41 years old.We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire…pic.twitter.com/FARIF6OKrw
'Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch,' the governing body expressed in its statement. '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.'
While Busch's official cause of death has not been released by the family, details surrounding a severe respiratory condition have illuminated his final weeks. Busch had been quietly battling a severe sinus cold all week.
Kyle Busch has asked for a doctor to meet him after the race at Watkins Glen.pic.twitter.com/8kfcVEqwjs
The severity of his illness first bled into the public eye during radio transmissions broadcast at Watkins Glen International. Moments after crossing the finish line, a distressed Busch radioed his team,requesting immediate trackside intervention from medical staff.
'Can somebody try to find Bill Heisel?' Busch said over the team radio loop. 'He's the kindred doctor guy, tell him I need him after the race. Please. I'm going to need a shot.'
Source: International Business Times UK
