UPDATE 1-Motor racing-NASCAR driver dies at 41 after sudden illness

Two-times NASCAR ​Cup Series champion Kyle ​Busch has died at ‌the age ​of 41, NASCAR said on Thursday.

News of his death came just hours ‌after Busch's family released a statement saying he had been hospitalized with a severe illness and would not compete in this ‌weekend's Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. "We are saddened ‌and heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion and one of our sport's greatest and ⁠fiercest ​drivers," NASCAR said ⁠on social media.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, ⁠Richard Childress Racing and the entire motorsports community." Richard Childress Racing had ​announced that Austin Hill, who drives the No. 21 ⁠for RCR in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, will take Busch's place ⁠in ​the No. 8 Chevrolet this weekend.

The 41-year-old Las Vegas native ranked 24th in the Cup Series standings, with ⁠a pair of top-10 finishes in 12 races this season. He ⁠won championships ⁠in 2015 and 2019. His last win in 2023 was his first with RCR.