NASCAR's Kyle Busch, widely considered one of the greatest, is dead at 41

NPR | By Jordan-Marie Smith,

Juana Summers, Jeanette Woods

Published May 22, 2026 at 4:22 PM EDT

NASCAR driver Kyle Busch has died at 41. At times a controversial figure, he was loved by fans and spent more than half of his life in the racing spotlight, much of that time in the winner's circle.

Jordan-Marie Smith

Jordan-Marie Smith is a producer with NPR's All Things Considered.

Juana Summers

Juana Summers is a political correspondent for NPR covering race, justice and politics. She has covered politics since 2010 for publications including Politico, CNN and The Associated Press. She got her start in public radio at KBIA in Columbia, Mo., and also previously covered Congress for NPR.

See stories by Juana Summers

Jeanette Woods

SUSTAIN what matters. BUILD what’s next.

With federal funding eliminated, WKAR relies more than ever on community support to sustain essential services that remain freely available to everyone in mid-Michigan. Your support helps shape what comes next for public media in our region. The best way to support WKAR is by becoming a sustaining member today or by upgrading your current gift. Support WKAR TV Here | Support WKAR Radio Here.