Kyle Busch, a NASCAR icon, has died, stunning the racing world.
## What Happened to Kyle Busch?
He was born on May 2, 1985, in Las Vegas, Nevada, to a racing family.
His father, Tom Busch, was a mechanic and competed in local races.
Kyle's brother, Kurt Busch, also became a successful NASCAR driver.
Kurt once said of Kyle: "You think I'm a pretty good race car driver? Wait until you see my brother. He's the best driver in the family."
Kyle Busch's Early Career
Kyle started his motorsports career at 13 in Legends car racing, winning 65 events and two championships.
He then transitioned to full-bodied Late Model competition.
At 16, Kyle made his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut at Indianapolis Raceway Park for Roush Racing, finishing ninth.
However, NASCAR raised its minimum age requirements to 18, pushing Kyle to "step out of the shadow of Kurt."
Kyle Busch's NASCAR Success
Kyle signed with Rick Hendrick's organization in 2003 and made history by winning the first-ever "Car of Tomorrow" race at Bristol Motor Speedway.
He scored victories at Auto Club Speedway and Phoenix Ropeway during his NASCAR Cup Series rookie season.
Kyle joined Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota in 2008, capturing 56 Cup Series victories and the 2009 championship.
As of his death, Kyle held an active 10-season streak of posting wins in all three of NASCAR's national series.
Kyle Busch's Legacy
Kyle expressed his desire to compete in Formula One in 2009, but turned down opportunities to drive for the U.S.-based F1 Team.
He told reporters at Las Vegas Motor Speedway: "It's something I'd love to take a shot at one day."
Kyle's legacy as one of the most accomplished figures in motorsports history will be remembered.
He was just 41 years old at the time of his death.
The racing community will deeply miss Kyle Busch, a true NASCAR icon.