Just days before yesterday’s shocking and untimely death of 41-year-old NASCAR superstar Kyle Busch, the beloved driver shared haunting words after his final NASCAR victory.
Moments after winning the Ecosave 200 in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Denver Motor Speedway last Friday, Busch shared a heartfelt statement on why winning races never got old for him, that’s now gone viral
“You never know when the last one is,” Busch said of his 69th truck race victory in a sideline interview following the race.
“I know all too well, unfortunately, with the Cup stuff, but here with the Truck stuff now, it’s awesome to be part of Spire Motorsports.”
“Always one of my favorite places to race.”
Kyle Busch speaks with @AmandaBusick after his win at Dover. pic.twitter.com/bAEf6kEkut
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) May 15, 2026
“I’m sure it looked great out front, leading the race,” he said.
“It wasn’t just Kyle Larson doing it. Feels good to have another Kyle able to do it and put ourselves in Victory Lane. Love coming to Dover, always one of my favorite places to race.”
The truck race served as Busch’s final victory before his death.
NASCAR announced Busch’s death late Thursday afternoon after he was hospitalized with a severe illness this week.
“We are saddened and heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion and one of our sport’s greatest and fiercest drivers. He was 41 years old,” NASCAR said in a statement.
We are saddened and heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion and one of our sport's greatest and fiercest drivers. He was 41 years old.
We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire… pic.twitter.com/FARIF6OKrw
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 21, 2026
came three days before he was to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
According to the Associated Press (AP), Busch was testing in the Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord, North Carolina, on Wednesday when he became unresponsive and was transported to a hospital in Charlotte.
“Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization,” a statement from his family read.
“He is currently undergoing treatment and will not compete in any of his scheduled activities this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation.”
Busch’s death came 11 days after he radioed his crew near the end of a Cup Series race at Watkins Glen and asked a doctor to give him a “shot” when he finished the race.
Busch had been struggling with a sinus cold exacerbated by the intense G-forces and elevation changes at the New York road course, broadcasters said.
Busch’s exact cause of death has not been revealed at the time of publication.
This is an ongoing story. Check back for updates.