Kyle Busch was reportedly dealing with an ongoing illness days before his sudden death at the age of 41, according to recent race broadcasts and comments from motorsport journalists. NASCAR confirmed on Thursday that the two-time Cup Series champion had died following what his family and Richard Childress Racing earlier described as a 'severe illness'.

The announcement came just days after Busch competed in multiple NASCAR events, including the All-Star Race at Dover on 17 May and a Craftsman Truck Series victory at the same track two days earlier. Tributes quickly poured in from across the motorsport world, with NASCAR, teams and fellow drivers describing Busch as one of the most accomplished drivers of his generation.

However, attention has also turned to comments and team radio communications suggesting Busch had been managing respiratory symptoms in the days leading up to his hospitalisation.

According toThe Tennesseanand comments shared online by motorsport journalistJeff Gluck of The Athletic, Busch requested medical assistance following the NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen on 10 May.

Inteam radio communications broadcastduring the event, Busch was heard asking crew members to contact NASCAR doctor Bill Heisel after the race.

'Can somebody try to find Bill Heisel, the doctor guy? Tell him I need him after the race, please,' Busch said over team radio before later adding: '...I'm going to need a shot.'

A post shared by Steven Taranto (@staranto92)

FOX Sports broadcasterslater stated during coverage that Busch had been dealing with what was described as a sinus cold and cough during the race weekend. Busch completed the Watkins Glen race and finished eighth despite the illness concerns raised over team radio communications.

Busch also referenced ongoing symptoms during comments to The Athletic on 16 May, several days before his death. 'You can kind of still hear it, I'm still not great, but the cough was pretty substantial last week,' Busch said.

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

Source: International Business Times UK