NASCAR News: Rick Hendrick opens up on "painful shock" of Kyle Busch's sudden death

Rick Hendrick opens up on "painful shock" of Kyle Busch's sudden death

Hendrick Motorsports chief Rick Hendrick has opened up on the 'painful shock' of hearing the tragic news that Kyle Busch had died aged 41.

The NASCAR world is currently mourning the loss of one of its own after that sad news was confirmed on Thursday.

The Busch family had released a statement earlier in the day, revealing that Kyle had been hospitalized with a severe illness and would miss this weekend's racing action in Charlotte.

Tragically, however, his death was announced just hours later.

Rick Hendrick on Kyle Busch death

In an official team statement, Hendrick, whom Busch drove for at the start of his Cup Series career, said: “This is an incredibly painful shock for all of us and a heartbreaking loss for the NASCAR family.

"Kyle was one of the most talented drivers I’ve ever seen and a racer in the truest sense of the word. He had a fire and competitive spirit that drove him to be great.

"I watched Kyle grow up in this sport and valued the friendship we shared long after he drove for our organization.

"As much as he loved to drive a race car, nothing brought him more joy than being a husband, a father, and watching his son race.

"On behalf of everyone at Hendrick Motorsports, our hearts are with Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, Kurt and the Busch family.”