NASCAR star Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup series champion regarded as one of the sport's greatest ever drivers, died Thursday aged 41, his family confirmed in a joint statement. Busch, who was in his 22nd season in NASCAR's top division, had been hospitalized earlier Thursday with an undisclosed but "severe illness"."On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch," a joint statement said."Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken ... Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manuel-neuer-earns-surprise-call-up-to-germany-26-man-fifa-world-cup-squad-1779368174561">Manuel Neuer earns surprise call up to Germany’s 26-man FIFA World Cup squad</a>"During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family's privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers."Busch won NASCAR Cup Series titles in 2015 and 2019 and amassed 63 victories in his career -- a figure that leaves him in ninth on the circuit's all-time list.He was also dominant in NASCAR's other two national series, with 102 wins in the O'Reilly Auto Part Series and 69 victories in the Craftsman Truck Series.NASCAR is one of the most popular motorsports in the United States, primarily featuring high-speed oval track racing where drivers pilot purpose-built stock cars at speeds often in excess of 200mph (321 km/h) at venues such as Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway.The sport's roots date back to the Prohibition era, when producers of illegal moonshine souped up their cars in order to evade law enforcement.Busch began his career in NASCAR Cup racing with Hendrick Motorsports before joining Joe Gibbs Racing in 2008, where he spent the bulk of his career before switching to Richard Childress Racing in 2023.Known for his fearless, aggressive racing style, Busch earned the nickname "Rowdy" -- a reference to a character in the 1990 Tom Cruise movie "Days of Thunder".Busch's fellow NASCAR drivers led the tributes to the late star."There aren't really words for today," Hyak Motorsports driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. wrote on X."I've raced against Kyle for a long time, and anyone who's lined up next to him knows exactly what made him special, he gave you everything he had, every single lap, and he made all of us better for it."Rest easy, Rowdy. The sport won't be the same without you."Stenhouse was involved in one of the most infamous incidents of Busch's career during the 2024 All-Star Race, punching Busch to the ground after accusing him of causing a high-speed crash during the event.Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin added: "Absolutely cannot comprehend this news. We just need to think of his family during this time."

Busch won NASCAR Cup Series titles in 2015 and 2019 and amassed 63 victories in his career -- a figure that leaves him in ninth on the circuit's all-time list.

NASCAR star Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup series champion regarded as one of the sport's greatest ever drivers, died Thursday aged 41, his family confirmed in a joint statement. Busch, who was in his 22nd season in NASCAR's top division, had been hospitalized earlier Thursday with an undisclosed but "severe illness". "On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch," a joint statement said. "Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken ... Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans. Also Read - Manuel Neuer earns surprise call up to Germany’s 26-man FIFA World Cup squad "During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family's privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers." Busch won NASCAR Cup Series titles in 2015 and 2019 and amassed 63 victories in his career -- a figure that leaves him in ninth on the circuit's all-time list. He was also dominant in NASCAR's other two national series, with 102 wins in the O'Reilly Auto Part Series and 69 victories in the Craftsman Truck Series. NASCAR is one of the most popular motorsports in the United States, primarily featuring high-speed oval track racing where drivers pilot purpose-built stock cars at speeds often in excess of 200mph (321 km/h) at venues such as Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway. The sport's roots date back to the Prohibition era, when producers of illegal moonshine souped up their cars in order to evade law enforcement. Busch began his career in NASCAR Cup racing with Hendrick Motorsports before joining Joe Gibbs Racing in 2008, where he spent the bulk of his career before switching to Richard Childress Racing in 2023. Known for his fearless, aggressive racing style, Busch earned the nickname "Rowdy" -- a reference to a character in the 1990 Tom Cruise movie "Days of Thunder". Busch's fellow NASCAR drivers led the tributes to the late star. "There aren't really words for today," Hyak Motorsports driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. wrote on X. "I've raced against Kyle for a long time, and anyone who's lined up next to him knows exactly what made him special, he gave you everything he had, every single lap, and he made all of us better for it. "Rest easy, Rowdy. The sport won't be the same without you." Stenhouse was involved in one of the most infamous incidents of Busch's career during the 2024 All-Star Race, punching Busch to the ground after accusing him of causing a high-speed crash during the event. Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin added: "Absolutely cannot comprehend this news. We just need to think of his family during this time."

Busch won NASCAR Cup Series titles in 2015 and 2019 and amassed 63 victories in his career -- a figure that leaves him in ninth on the circuit's all-time list.

NASCAR legend Kyle Busch  dies at 41 after severe illness

Even on unrestricted sections, Germany enforces a Richtgeschwindigkeit, a recommended speed of 130 km/h. Drivers can exceed it legally, but responsibility in case of accidents may be assessed differently.

‘Full throttle’: This highway in Europe has no speed limit

Actor Ajith Kumar's car crashed during a practice test run at the Dubai circuit recently. The actor, who is lovingly called Thala Ajith, is in Dubai to participate in the upcoming Dubai 24 Hours race also known as 24H Dubai 2025.&nbsp; A video released by his team shows, the actor's car crashing into the barriers, minutes before the endurance test session came to an end.&nbsp; The video also shows the actor coming out of the car, unhurt as the rescue team comes to his aid.&nbsp;
<h2>Ajith Kumar love for racing</h2>
For the unversed, Ajith owns the racing team Ajith Kumar Racing, and he was set to participate in the highly competitive race, along with three other teammates - Mathieu Detry, Fabian Duffieux, and Cameron McLeod.&nbsp; According to reports, Fabian Duffieux took over as the team manager for Ajith Kumar Racing in December last year.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Indian actor Ajith's Porsche car crashes at high speed on Dubai race track, but Thala walks away unscathed! Watch the jaw-dropping moment<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThalaAjith?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThalaAjith</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ThalaAjith_FC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ThalaAjith_FC</a> <a href="https://t.co/fsOC1eaZj6">pic.twitter.com/fsOC1eaZj6</a>
&mdash; WION Showbiz (@WIONShowbiz) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONShowbiz/status/1876625026042282437?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2025</a></blockquote>

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The video shows his car spinning seven times after crashing on the barrier. He was then rescued and taken to an ambulance. &nbsp; The actor's manager Suresh Chandra, updated fans about the actor's health. "Ajith is unhurt, hale and healthy. He was driving at a speed of 180 km when this happened," he shared.&nbsp; Many would know, that besides working in Tamil cinema, Ajith is known for his passion for driving and biking. The actor had been practising with his team, which he captained, for the race for sometime now.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/salman-khan-birthday-sikandar-poster-out-teaser-to-release-tomorrow-8568299">Sikandar poster unveiled, teaser to release on Salman Khan's birthday</a> The Dubai event will comprise a team where each member will have to drive for six hours over the course of 24 hours. Ajith was just minutes away from completing his six hours.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kamal-haasan-asks-fans-to-not-address-him-as-ulaganayagan-says-i-respectfully-decline-such-titles-775186">Kamal Haasan asks fans to not address him as 'Ulaganayagan', says ' I respectfully decline such titles'</a> The upcoming race would have marked the debut of Ajith Kumar's racing firm in endurance racing.

A video released by his team shows, Thala Ajith's car crashing into the barriers, minutes before the endurance test session came to an end. 
The video also shows the actor coming out of the car, unhurt as the rescue team comes to his aid. 

Actor Ajith Kumar's car crashed during a practice test run at the Dubai circuit recently. The actor, who is lovingly called Thala Ajith, is in Dubai to participate in the upcoming Dubai 24 Hours race also known as 24H Dubai 2025. A video released by his team shows, the actor's car crashing into the barriers, minutes before the endurance test session came to an end. The video also shows the actor coming out of the car, unhurt as the rescue team comes to his aid. Ajith Kumar love for racing For the unversed, Ajith owns the racing team Ajith Kumar Racing, and he was set to participate in the highly competitive race, along with three other teammates - Mathieu Detry, Fabian Duffieux, and Cameron McLeod. According to reports, Fabian Duffieux took over as the team manager for Ajith Kumar Racing in December last year. Indian actor Ajith's Porsche car crashes at high speed on Dubai race track, but Thala walks away unscathed! Watch the jaw-dropping moment#ThalaAjith @ThalaAjith_FC pic.twitter.com/fsOC1eaZj6 — WION Showbiz (@WIONShowbiz) January 7, 2025 The video shows his car spinning seven times after crashing on the barrier. He was then rescued and taken to an ambulance. The actor's manager Suresh Chandra, updated fans about the actor's health. "Ajith is unhurt, hale and healthy. He was driving at a speed of 180 km when this happened," he shared. Many would know, that besides working in Tamil cinema, Ajith is known for his passion for driving and biking. The actor had been practising with his team, which he captained, for the race for sometime now. Sikandar poster unveiled, teaser to release on Salman Khan's birthday The Dubai event will comprise a team where each member will have to drive for six hours over the course of 24 hours. Ajith was just minutes away from completing his six hours. Kamal Haasan asks fans to not address him as 'Ulaganayagan', says ' I respectfully decline such titles' The upcoming race would have marked the debut of Ajith Kumar's racing firm in endurance racing.

Watch: Actor Ajith Kumar's Porsche race car crashes at a speed of 180 Kmph at Dubai circuit

Ferrari overcame wretched weather and tenacious rivals to claim back-to-back editions of the Le Mans 24 Hours race on Sunday.

Nicklas Nielsen took the chequered flag after a vintage and gruelling contest, the Dane sharing driving duties in the Italian constructor's No 50 car with Italian Antonio Fuoco and Spaniard Miguel Molina.

Toyota's No 7 car took second with Ferrari's No 51 car, which triumphed last year, completing the podium.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paris-olympics-2024-gretchen-walsh-breaks-100m-butterfly-world-record-at-us-swimming-trials-732286">Paris Olympics 2024: Gretchen Walsh breaks 100m butterfly world record at U.S. swimming trials</a>

Twenty-four long hours, 311 laps and 4,238 kilometres after French football great Zinedine Zidane had sent the 62 car-grid on its way on Saturday, Ferrari emerged victorious after a classic version of motorsport's supreme endurance test.

"I had a very long stint driving, the last lap was so long, but we did it" said Nielsen.

"We were ready for this moment for one year, we won it. We did a good job since the beginning, now is the moment to enjoy," Molina chipped in.

"This is amazing, last year we were so very close," he added after the triumphant trio's fifth place in 2023.

Porsche's pole-sitting No 6 car narrowly missed a podium place in fourth ahead of Toyota's No 8 car.

In an attritional affair, the night proved long and tedious with incessant rain forcing long yellow flag periods.

That reduced the gleaming high-spec racing cars capable of going well in excess of 300kph to pottering along at speeds normally associated with a family hatchback heading to the local supermarket.

Drivers like Toyota's previous winner New Zealander Brendon Hartley complained of knee cramp as they were unable to put their foot on the gas in the confined cockpits.

Molina constantly complained of boredom on the team radio.

This year's Le Mans set an invidious record of over six hours-racing neutralised by safety cars. Four were used at any one time, with some even having 'to pit' to refuel.

Mechanics used the period to grab some much needed shut eye, but that was not a luxury all the unpaid track marshals from France and Britain could afford.

<h2>- Daytime mayhem -</h2>

At the midway point - 0400 local time - with the rain tipping down, visibility minimal and &nbsp;the spray flying in the dead of night - Hartley's Toyota led Kevin Estre in one of Porsche's six Hypercar entries.

After daylight broke over the saturated Sarthe circuit, the safety cars retreated to give the weary 250,000 crowd a welcome dawn chorus of car engines roaring again in anger.

Nocturnal tedium made way for daytime mayhem.

At around 0930, mechanics in the Aston Martin garage had their hearts in their mouths watching Daniel Mancinelli suffer a terrible-looking crash.

The 35-year-old Italian rolled his car, and there was an agonising wait before he forced open his side door and scrambled out, thankfully unscathed.

With six hours to go and a restart after another safety car interlude Earl Bamber in the No. 2 Cadillac was told on the team radio "it's time to make the eagle fly".

The closing hours developed into a mesmerising battle between four constructors - Porsche, Ferrari, Toyota and Cadillac.

Ferrari's No 50 car led from last year's winning No 51 car with under 120 minutes to go, from Toyota's No 7 then the No 2 Cadillac.

Nielsen in the leading Ferrari then had to pit after orders from race control due to an unsafe open door which he had tried frantically to shut himself.

That gifted Jose Maria Lopez's Toyota - the lead but only momentarily as Nielsen with an hour remaining had regained control, the Dane establishing a 30sec cushion as the long awaited 1400GMT finish approached.

A frantic conclusion in the rain, with pit stops aplenty triggered multiple changes in the lead with Ferrari crossing the line 14 seconds ahead.

With winners, come losers and one team leaving a memorable edition of a race first staged in 1923 downcast were Alpine, whose two cars failed to finish, and motorcycling legend Valentino Rossi, whose BMW in the LMGT3 category crashed out.

Ferrari overcame wretched weather and tenacious rivals to claim back-to-back editions of the Le Mans 24 Hours race on Sunday. Nicklas Nielsen took the chequered flag after a vintage and gruelling contest, the Dane sharing driving duties in the Italian constructor's No 50 car with Italian Antonio Fuoco and Spaniard Miguel Molina.

Ferrari overcame wretched weather and tenacious rivals to claim back-to-back editions of the Le Mans 24 Hours race on Sunday. Nicklas Nielsen took the chequered flag after a vintage and gruelling contest, the Dane sharing driving duties in the Italian constructor's No 50 car with Italian Antonio Fuoco and Spaniard Miguel Molina. Toyota's No 7 car took second with Ferrari's No 51 car, which triumphed last year, completing the podium. Also Read: Paris Olympics 2024: Gretchen Walsh breaks 100m butterfly world record at U.S. swimming trials Twenty-four long hours, 311 laps and 4,238 kilometres after French football great Zinedine Zidane had sent the 62 car-grid on its way on Saturday, Ferrari emerged victorious after a classic version of motorsport's supreme endurance test. "I had a very long stint driving, the last lap was so long, but we did it" said Nielsen. "We were ready for this moment for one year, we won it. We did a good job since the beginning, now is the moment to enjoy," Molina chipped in. "This is amazing, last year we were so very close," he added after the triumphant trio's fifth place in 2023. Porsche's pole-sitting No 6 car narrowly missed a podium place in fourth ahead of Toyota's No 8 car. In an attritional affair, the night proved long and tedious with incessant rain forcing long yellow flag periods. That reduced the gleaming high-spec racing cars capable of going well in excess of 300kph to pottering along at speeds normally associated with a family hatchback heading to the local supermarket. Drivers like Toyota's previous winner New Zealander Brendon Hartley complained of knee cramp as they were unable to put their foot on the gas in the confined cockpits. Molina constantly complained of boredom on the team radio. This year's Le Mans set an invidious record of over six hours-racing neutralised by safety cars. Four were used at any one time, with some even having 'to pit' to refuel. Mechanics used the period to grab some much needed shut eye, but that was not a luxury all the unpaid track marshals from France and Britain could afford. - Daytime mayhem - At the midway point - 0400 local time - with the rain tipping down, visibility minimal and the spray flying in the dead of night - Hartley's Toyota led Kevin Estre in one of Porsche's six Hypercar entries. After daylight broke over the saturated Sarthe circuit, the safety cars retreated to give the weary 250,000 crowd a welcome dawn chorus of car engines roaring again in anger. Nocturnal tedium made way for daytime mayhem. At around 0930, mechanics in the Aston Martin garage had their hearts in their mouths watching Daniel Mancinelli suffer a terrible-looking crash. The 35-year-old Italian rolled his car, and there was an agonising wait before he forced open his side door and scrambled out, thankfully unscathed. With six hours to go and a restart after another safety car interlude Earl Bamber in the No. 2 Cadillac was told on the team radio "it's time to make the eagle fly". The closing hours developed into a mesmerising battle between four constructors - Porsche, Ferrari, Toyota and Cadillac. Ferrari's No 50 car led from last year's winning No 51 car with under 120 minutes to go, from Toyota's No 7 then the No 2 Cadillac. Nielsen in the leading Ferrari then had to pit after orders from race control due to an unsafe open door which he had tried frantically to shut himself. That gifted Jose Maria Lopez's Toyota - the lead but only momentarily as Nielsen with an hour remaining had regained control, the Dane establishing a 30sec cushion as the long awaited 1400GMT finish approached. A frantic conclusion in the rain, with pit stops aplenty triggered multiple changes in the lead with Ferrari crossing the line 14 seconds ahead. With winners, come losers and one team leaving a memorable edition of a race first staged in 1923 downcast were Alpine, whose two cars failed to finish, and motorcycling legend Valentino Rossi, whose BMW in the LMGT3 category crashed out.

Ferrari braves weather and Toyota to win second consecutive Le Mans title

Ferrari dismissed as "totally without foundation" media reports in Italy on Tuesday that Formula One team boss Mattia Binotto was set to be replaced by Sauber's Frederic Vasseur after the end of the season.

The Corriere della Sera and Gazzetta dello Sport newspapers had suggested Frenchman Vasseur was being lined up to take over in January.

"In relation to speculation in certain media regarding Scuderia Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto's position, Ferrari states that these rumours are totally without foundation," the team said.

Ferrari have won four races in 2022 but their early season promise fell away due to mechanical unreliability, strategy errors and driver mistakes.

Red Bull have won both titles, with now double world champion Max Verstappen taking a record 14 wins in a single season.

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Ferrari are now in danger of dropping to third overall in the constructors' standings after this weekend's season-ending race in Abu Dhabi, with resurgent Mercedes 19 points behind.

Vasseur is principal of the Alfa Romeo team, operated by Swiss-based Sauber and which will become the Audi factory team in 2026.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/greg-norman-must-quit-liv-role-to-end-stalemate-says-no-1-ranked-rory-mcilroy-534480">Greg Norman must quit LIV role to end stalemate, says No. 1 ranked Rory McIlroy</a>

Binotto has spent his whole career at Maranello and was appointed team boss in January 2019, replacing Maurizio Arrivabene.

That change was flagged up by the Gazzetta in advance of the official announcement.

Ferrari dismissed as "totally without foundation" media reports in Italy on Tuesday that Formula One team boss Mattia Binotto was set to be replaced by Sauber's Frederic Vasseur after the end of the season.

Ferrari dismissed as "totally without foundation" media reports in Italy on Tuesday that Formula One team boss Mattia Binotto was set to be replaced by Sauber's Frederic Vasseur after the end of the season. The Corriere della Sera and Gazzetta dello Sport newspapers had suggested Frenchman Vasseur was being lined up to take over in January. "In relation to speculation in certain media regarding Scuderia Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto's position, Ferrari states that these rumours are totally without foundation," the team said. Ferrari have won four races in 2022 but their early season promise fell away due to mechanical unreliability, strategy errors and driver mistakes. Red Bull have won both titles, with now double world champion Max Verstappen taking a record 14 wins in a single season. Also Read: IN PICS | Preparations in Qatar for FIFA World Cup as final countdown begins Ferrari are now in danger of dropping to third overall in the constructors' standings after this weekend's season-ending race in Abu Dhabi, with resurgent Mercedes 19 points behind. Vasseur is principal of the Alfa Romeo team, operated by Swiss-based Sauber and which will become the Audi factory team in 2026. Also Read: Greg Norman must quit LIV role to end stalemate, says No. 1 ranked Rory McIlroy Binotto has spent his whole career at Maranello and was appointed team boss in January 2019, replacing Maurizio Arrivabene. That change was flagged up by the Gazzetta in advance of the official announcement.

Ferrari denies reports of F1 team boss Mattia Binotto facing the sack

Stirling Moss, the British racing driver who ranked as one of the all-time Formula One greats despite never winning the world championship, died on Sunday (April 12) at the age of 90 after a long illness.

British racing great Stirling Moss dies aged 90

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NASCAR legend Kyle Busch dies at 41 after severe illness

‘Full throttle’: This highway in Europe has no speed limit

Watch: Actor Ajith Kumar's Porsche race car crashes at a speed of 180 Kmph at Dubai circuit

Ferrari braves weather and Toyota to win second consecutive Le Mans title

Ferrari denies reports of F1 team boss Mattia Binotto facing the sack

British racing great Stirling Moss dies aged 90