NASCAR officially announced the death of 41-year-old driver Kyle Busch on Thursday evening. Busch, a two-time NASCAR champion, died from complications of pneumonia, according to his family.
“The medical evaluation provided to the Busch Family concluded that severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications,” the Busch family statement read. “The Family asks for continued understanding and privacy during this difficult time.”
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The NASCAR world is deeply saddened by his loss.
“He was a polarizing figure that no matter if you like him or disliked him as a racer, he was always talked about,” Ryan Blaney said. “Just this guy that was always there and won too much, which is why people didn’t like him. And he always spoke his mind. I think people came to respect that about him, that he was true to who he was and that never changed.”
Mar 29, 2026; Martinsville, Virginia, USA; Richard Childress Racing driver Kyle Busch (8) during practice at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images© Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images.
But some in the NASCAR world were disturbed by the questions asked ot drivers regarding Busch’s death.
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Two questions in particular made NASCAR fans upset.
NASCAR fans sound off on the questions asked
Ty Gibbs was asked by a reporter to reveal where he was when he found out that Busch has died.
Gibbs refused to answer.
“Media showing their real colors this week, some real bad questions being asked, another reason nascar should start making gaining credentials harder,” one fan wrote.
“Gained a great deal of respect for this kid with that answer,” one shared.
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Another reporter, meanwhile, asked if NASCAR will be doing an investigation into how drivers take care of themselves.
“What a stupid question,” one wrote.
“Not the time for that,” another added.
Everyone is extremely sensitive right now, which makes sense. But it’s clear that some in the NASCAR world have been bothered by the questions.
This story was originally published by The Spun on May 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the NASCAR section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
