Kyle Busch asked team to 'find' doctor during race less than two weeks before death
Kyle Busch asked team to 'find' doctor during race less than two weeks before death
Rory Robinson Fri, May 22, 2026 at 3:36 AM UTC
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Kyle Busch poses for photos before the Bowling at The Glen race
Kyle Busch asked for medical assistance while driving at Watkins Glen before passing away at age 41 (Image: Getty)
A short radio exchange from the NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen two Sundays ago now carries an eerie weight after the motorsports company announced the shock passing of two-time champion Kyle Busch at age 41 on Thursday.
Busch raced to an 8th-place season-best finish at Go Bowling At The Glen, but not before communicating with his Richard Childress Racing team over the radio to help locate a doctor during the race. It was his 12th consecutive Cup start of the season while looking to earn his first win on the circuit since the 2023 Enjoy Illinois 300.
The resurfaced NASCAR radio communication showed fans that Busch had seemingly been battling physical issues shortly before his death. Busch passed less than two weeks after following an undisclosed illness.
Denny Hamlin said he "cannot comprehend" the news of Busch's sudden death.
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During the FS1 and HBO Max broadcast, commentators explained Busch had been suffering from what was described as a severe sinus cold throughout the week.
The condition appeared to affect him physically during the race as the two-time Cup Series champion fought through the event despite clearly feeling miserable.
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"Can somebody try to find Bill Heisel? I need him after the race, please," Busch was heard speaking over the team radio. Heisel is a physician assistant at Ortho Carolina and the director of Ortho Carolina Motorsports. Their website lists Heisel with more than 18 years of experience, specifically working with motorsports athletes.
The crew's initial response seemed routine. They asked Busch whether he wanted Heisel on standby near his car or bus after the race, as Busch continued working to complete the race weekend.
Busch then informed RCR, "I'm going to need a shot," and the crew confirmed that the doctor would meet him at the bus after the race. He did not elaborate on the specific treatment he needed but later acknowledged to the media that it was due to a "substantial cough," and he still sounded noticeably congested.
Busch finished the race in eighth for a season-best result (Image: Getty)
Even the FS1 Watkins Glen broadcast team admitted during the event that Busch appeared to be struggling while inside the car. "Racing can't be any fun when your head is completely stuffed up like that. It's the worst," one commentator said during the live coverage.
The short clip has taken on an entirely different emotional weight following NASCAR's confirmation of Busch's death. In retrospect, fans across social media have pointed to the radio audio as a troubling sign that something may have been seriously wrong with the Richard Childress Racing driver in his final days.
Busch's passing at age 41 was confirmed by his family, Richard Childress Racing (RCR), and NASCAR after he was hospitalized with an undisclosed illness. The RCR driver leaves behind a legacy that includes leading NASCAR with 234 wins across all series, two Cup Series titles, multiple regular-season championships, and the 2009 O'Reilly Auto Parts 300 championship.
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Source: “AOL Sports”
