The racing community - as well as the broader sports world - was rocked by the sudden death of NASCAR star Kyle Busch on Thursday. Busch, 41, died suddenly after being hospitalized for a mysterious illness.
Busch was a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and one of the winningest racers in the sport's history with 234 career victories. Less than a week before his death, Busch recorded a Craftsman Truck Series win at Dover.
Busch's career in NASCAR spanned more than two decades, and he served as an icon for young drivers and athletes across a variety of sports. In addition to his success on the track, Busch drew attention to the sport with his fiery, polarizing personality off the track. Busch left an indelible mark on NASCAR, and that was evident in the hours and minutes immediately following his death.
For many years, Busch was embroiled in a rivalry with fellow star Dale Earnhardt Jr., but the pair had begun to bury the hatchet in recent years. Upon hearing of Busch's death, Earnhardt posted a heartfelt tribute in which he chronicled their growth as colleagues and credited Busch for extending an olive branch.
Additionally, a number of current and former NASCAR standouts - like Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Connor Zilisch - quickly offered their condolences while paying tribute to Busch. Outside the world of racing, big names and personalities from other sports honor Busch on social media. WWE legend Ric Flair, Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III and former Pro Bowl offensive lineman Taylor Lewan all offered kind words about Busch.
https://www.cbssports.com/nascar/news/kyle-busch-death-nascar-41-dale-earnhardt-jr/