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The news about two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch's death was shocking to many racing fans.

It was definitely shocking to me, as he was just 41 years old.

Early in my career I covered several NASCAR races and really enjoyed working at Kentucky Speedway and other tracks when I had the opportunity.

Kyle Busch seemed to be one of the favorites to win just about every race over the years, but that wasn't really the case at the beginning of his career.

In 2004, I was assigned to cover the NASCAR Busch series Meijer 300 at Kentucky Speedway. Kyle Busch was just 18 years old then and, although there was a lot of hype surrounding the young driver, he wasn't expected to win the race.

Another reason he wasn't expected to win was that he had wrecked his primary car in practice. Although he had qualified to start on the outside of the front row, using a backup car meant that he had to start from the back of the field in 43rd place.

Somehow, Busch gradually made his way to the front and won the race pulling away, his third victory of the season.

As soon as the race was over, another sort of race began. All the photographers hurried from their various positions to get to the winners circle and the shot everyone wanted of Busch getting out of the car to celebrate.

Media from all over the world covered these races, and there could easily be over 100 photographers trying to get the best spots for photos.

I was lucky enough to get a great spot and ended up getting one of my favorite racing photos.

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Save

The news about two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch's death was shocking to many racing fans.

It was definitely shocking to me, as he was just 41 years old.

Early in my career I covered several NASCAR races and really enjoyed working at Kentucky Speedway and other tracks when I had the opportunity.

Kyle Busch seemed to be one of the favorites to win just about every race over the years, but that wasn't really the case at the beginning of his career.

In 2004, I was assigned to cover the NASCAR Busch series Meijer 300 at Kentucky Speedway. Kyle Busch was just 18 years old then and, although there was a lot of hype surrounding the young driver, he wasn't expected to win the race.

Another reason he wasn't expected to win was that he had wrecked his primary car in practice. Although he had qualified to start on the outside of the front row, using a backup car meant that he had to start from the back of the field in 43rd place.

Somehow, Busch gradually made his way to the front and won the race pulling away, his third victory of the season.

As soon as the race was over, another sort of race began. All the photographers hurried from their various positions to get to the winners circle and the shot everyone wanted of Busch getting out of the car to celebrate.

Media from all over the world covered these races, and there could easily be over 100 photographers trying to get the best spots for photos.

I was lucky enough to get a great spot and ended up getting one of my favorite racing photos.

On Thursday, the NASCAR world was stunned by the tragic news of a legend’s passing. It was confirmed by NASCAR and Richard Childress Racing that Kyle Busch had died at 41 years old, shocking fans and the racing community alike. Busch still appeared to have many competitive years ahead of him.

Busch’s final Cup Series win came on June 4, 2023, at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway. Throughout his decorated career, he collected countless victories and cemented himself as one of the sport’s all-time greats

In honor of Busch, let’s take a look back at some of the greatest victories of his NASCAR and racing career. Here are five of the most memorable wins from his remarkable career.

MORE: Kyle Busch career earnings, net worth & list of NASCAR Cup Series wins

Toyota/Save Mart 350 — Sonoma Raceway (June 28, 2015)

This victory not only marked Busch’s first NASCAR Cup Series championship season, but it also stands as the defining win of his career. After suffering a devastating injury at Daytona that nearly ended his season, Busch returned to victory lane in dramatic fashion.

His determination defined the 2015 season as he fought back after missing the first 11 races. Busch ultimately capped off the comeback by winning the NASCAR Cup Series championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Ford EcoBoost 400 — Homestead-Miami Speedway (Nov. 17, 2019)

While 2015 delivered Busch’s most emotional triumph, the 2019 season showcased him at the peak of his powers. His victory in the season finale secured his fifth win of the year and delivered his second NASCAR Cup Series championship.

Winning five races in a single season was an impressive achievement on its own, but clinching another title with a clutch performance at Homestead made the moment even more memorable. Still, one other victory from 2019 may stand above the rest.

Auto Club 400 — Auto Club Speedway (March 17, 2019)

Busch’s 2019 season also featured one of the biggest milestones of his career: his 200th NASCAR national series victory.

In March 2019, Busch captured the Auto Club 400 in Fontana, California, tying Richard Petty for the most combined wins across NASCAR’s Cup, Xfinity, and Truck Series.

Coca-Cola 600 — Charlotte Motor Speedway (May 27, 2018)

Busch conquered NASCAR’s longest race in dominant fashion at Charlotte Motor Speedway, leading 377 laps to win one of the sport’s most grueling events. Starting from the pole position, Busch delivered a commanding performance that also gave him a points-paying victory at every active track on the NASCAR schedule.

With the win, Busch became the first driver in the modern era to win at all active tracks the series competed at during the current season.

2015 and 2016 Brickyard 400

In another defining stretch of his career, Busch dominated the Brickyard 400 with back-to-back victories at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Indianapolis remains one of the most iconic and coveted tracks in all of motorsports, making Busch’s consecutive wins there even more significant. His success at the Brickyard further solidified his legacy as one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers.

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Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch passed away suddenly on Thursday, May 21. He was just 41 years old. Busch’s death was announced just hours after it was reported that he was hospitalized with a serious illness.

Busch was set to compete in this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600, but was forced out of the race in Charlotte because of his hospitalization.

The illness that led to Busch’s hospitalization has not been reported at this time. NASCAR and Richard Childress Racing confirmed Busch’s passing on Thursday evening.

NASCAR Mourns Kyle Busch’s Passing

“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch,” a statement from NASCAR read. “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 and loyal ‘Rowdy Nation.’ 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.”

Austin Hill was set to replace Busch this weekend in the Richard Childress Racing No. 8 car, but there is no word on whether he will still participate in the weekend’s race following Busch’s passing.

yle Busch’s Legendary Career

Busch began racing in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2005 and was one of the most decorated drivers in NASCAR history. He won the Cup Series titles in 2015 and 2019, and had 63 career Cup Series wins.

Busch is also the winningest driver in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts and Craftsman Truck series history.

Our deepest condolences go out to Busch’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult and tragic time.

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