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Kyle Busch will be remembered for his success on the racetrack as one of the most dominant NASCAR drivers at any level of the sport.
Busch, who tragically died at the age of 41 on Thursday, was a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and the all-time leader in wins in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. He was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023.
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Kyle Busch poses in victory lane with the trophy and a replica WWE World Championship belt after winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series O’Reilly Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas on November 7, 2009. (Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)
The outpouring of tributes didn’t just come from the NASCAR world Thursday night. Pro wrestling fans and those who knew him from his brief time in WWE also remembered Busch.
“Rowdy” became the WWE 24/7 Champion for one minute when he pinned R-Truth with the help of Michael Waltrip on “Monday Night Raw” in Nashville, Tennessee on December 2, 2019. R-Truth regained the title on the same show.
He also earned a WWE title belt when he won at Texas Motor Speedway on November 7, 2009.
KYLE BUSCH ON ‘HANGING OUT WITH SEAN HANNITY’
The Internet wrestling community reacted to Busch’s death.
Busch’s death was announced hours after it was revealed he would forgo racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend due to a “serious illness that resulted in hospitalization.”
NASCAR, the Busch family and Richard Childress Racing announced the death Thursday evening, but did not provide a cause of death.
Kyle Busch celebrates in victory lane with a replica WWE World Championship belt after winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series O’Reilly Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas on November 7, 2009. (Tom Pennington/Getty Images for NASCAR)
“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,” the statement said. “Our entire NASCAR family is devastated by the loss of Kyle Busch. A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare, once-in-a-generation talent. He was tough, he was passionate, he was immensely talented, and he cared deeply about the sport and the fans.
“Throughout a career that spanned more than two decades, Kyle set national series wins records, 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 all ages, creating the proud and loyal ‘Rowdy Nation.’
“Our thoughts go out to 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, way too soon.
Kyle Busch celebrates his victory in the NASCAR Nationwide Series race in Victory Lane at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., on September 5, 2014. (Steve Helber/AP)
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“During this incredibly difficult time, we ask that everyone respect the family’s privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Further updates will be shared as needed.”
