In an emotional and unexpected announcement just 15 minutes ago from Las Vegas, NASCAR champion Kurt Busch, 46, revealed heartbreaking news that left fans stunned and deeply saddened. The former Daytona 500 winner and brother of Kyle Busch appeared on a livestream to share that he has been diagnosed with early-onset dementia and is currently undergoing treatment.

Fighting back tears, Kurt addressed his followers directly:

“This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to say. I’ve been struggling with memory loss, confusion, and mental fog. After months of tests… the doctors confirmed I’m in the early stages of dementia.”

The news sent shockwaves through the motorsports world, with fans and fellow racers flooding social media with messages of love, support, and disbelief.

Kurt, known for his fierce competitive spirit and legendary career in NASCAR, retired from full-time racing just a few years ago due to medical concerns after a crash. However, few could have imagined the seriousness of his current health battle.

Sources close to the family say that the symptoms began subtly — missed appointments, repeating conversations, and moments of disorientation.

Over time, these signs became more frequent, prompting Kurt to seek medical help. Now, he is working closely with neurologists and memory care specialists in hopes of slowing the progression of the disease.

His younger brother, Kyle Busch, also a NASCAR champion, reportedly broke down in private after learning the full diagnosis. The two have had their differences over the years but have grown much closer in recent months.

Fans have already begun organizing tributes and awareness campaigns under the hashtag #RaceForKurt, calling attention to the often overlooked risk of brain trauma in high-speed sports.

“I’m not giving up,” Kurt said in the closing moments of his livestream. “I’ll fight this with everything I have. And I hope my story helps others get checked early.”

As this heartbreaking story continues to unfold, the NASCAR community and fans worldwide stand united in support of one of their own. For now, Kurt Busch steps out of the spotlight — not as a racer, but as a fighter in a very different kind of race.