Portugal Colonial - NASCAR driver Busch died of sepsis after pneumonia: family

Busch, a two-time Cup series champion, died on Thursday at age 41 after being hospitalized with what was termed a severe illness.

"The medical evaluation provided to the Busch family concluded that severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications," a family statement said.

"The family asks for continued understanding and privacy during this difficult time."

Sepsis is when the body's infection-fighting process turns on the body and causes organs to work improperly, which can cause severe damage and death.

Busch, in his 22nd NASCAR campaign, was among the top drivers in the elite division of the US stock car racing series.

His family and his Richard Childress Racing team had announced Busch's hospitalization and withdrawal from Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 race Thursday morning, hours before announcing his death.

The race will be conducted as planned on Sunday at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina, with every car in the field bearing a number eight decal in tribute to Busch.

J.V.Jacinto--PC