# NASCAR 2026: Kyle Larson wins, Kyle Busch dies

> Larson clinches Cup Series title as Busch dies in 2026.
- Title: NASCAR 2026: Kyle Larson wins, Kyle Busch dies · Yahoo Sports
- Summary: Larson clinches Cup Series title as Busch dies in 2026. Kyle Larson wins 2026 Cup Series championship while Kyle Busch dies from sepsis in May 2026.
- Keywords: nascar, kyle larson, kyle busch, cup series, sepsis, championship, homestead miami speedway, hendrick motorsports, nascar ceo, Yahoo Sports
- Source: Yahoo Sports — https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nascars-2026-season-defined-two-205209664.html
- Published: 2026-11-09T20:52:09+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nascar, kyle larson, kyle busch, cup series, sepsis, championship, homestead miami speedway, hendrick motorsports, nascar ceo, sports
## 2026 NASCAR championship weekend
Larson wins second consecutive Cup Series title and third in six years.

> I just feel like when you're in it and you're competing, it's just so hard to reflect in the moment
## Kyle Busch's death
Busch dies in May 2026 from severe pneumonia progressing to sepsis.
## Larson's championship celebration
Larson clinches Bill France Cup at season finale and finishes 12th at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
## Larson's future plans
Larson says he has more years ahead and won't reflect on past success.

> I just feel like I've got a lot of years ahead of me, so I don't want to stop to kind of look in the rearview mirror right now
## NASCAR CEO's tribute
NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell calls Larson 'forever mark' on sport.

> It's tough to not talk about Kyle when you're back in Miami
## Dodge's return to Cup Series
Dodge returns to Cup Series in February 2027 with Kaulig Racing.
## Keselowski's 2027 plans
Keselowski remains passive investor at RFK for 2027.

> There's opportunities for me to compete with great teams or to be an owner with other teams or to do things in the TV booth
## Driver moves
Jesse Love moves to Wood Brothers Racing, Legacy dumps John Hunter Nemechek.
## Key takeaway

Kyle Larson wins 2026 Cup Series championship while Kyle Busch dies from sepsis in May 2026.