Kyle Busch
Updated: Wikipedia source
Kyle Thomas Busch (May 2, 1985 – May 21, 2026) was an American professional stock car racing driver and racing team owner who competed from 2001 to 2026. Throughout his career, Busch raced under several car numbers, though he was most prominently identified with the No. 18 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing between 2008 and 2023 in the NASCAR Cup Series. Known for his dominance across NASCAR's top three divisions series, Busch is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and talented drivers in motorsports history. Born and raised into a racing family in Las Vegas, Nevada, Busch was immersed in motorsports at an early age, assisting with race car preparations as a child before progressing into competitive driving in go-karts and short-track racing during his adolescence. By his early teens, he had already established himself as a standout talent on the local circuit, capturing multiple championships and attracting the attention of stock car organizations. He made his national NASCAR debut in 2001 in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with Roush Racing. Two years later, he joined Hendrick Motorsports through their driver development program, eventually advancing into NASCAR's major touring series. He remained with the organization through the 2007 season before signing with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2008, where he competed and achieved the most successful stretch of his career over a fifteen-year tenure. In 2023, he joined Richard Childress Racing, competing for the organization until his death in 2026. At the time of his death, Busch ranked ninth on the all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins list and first in overall wins between the top three NASCAR divisions. His career achievements included three major national series championships, having won the 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series and two NASCAR Cup Series championships (2015 and 2019). He has also amassed victories in several important races, highlighted by four crown jewel events, and was also the recipient of numerous awards, including two NASCAR Rookie of the Year awards and two ESPY Awards for best driver. His aggressive driving style and demeanor led to him earning several nicknames over the course of his career. In addition to his driving career, Busch owned and operated Kyle Busch Motorsports, a race team that competed in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series from 2011 to 2013 and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series from 2010 to 2023. Busch was the younger brother of 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series champion Kurt Busch.