Editor’s note: Follow for live updates as details emerge on Kyle Busch’s tragic death.
Kyle Busch was one to make each win count.
The NASCAR legend, who won the race at the 2026 Ecosave 200 at Dover Motor Speedway in Dover, Delaware, his last-ever career win, on May 15, just six days before his sudden death on May 21, said, despite many wins in the series, every victory matters “because you never know when the last one is.”
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“I know all too well, unfortunately, with the Cup stuff,” Busch told Fox Sports’ Amanda Busick. However, he said “Love coming to Dover, always one of my favorite places to race. Thanks to all the fans, appreciate everybody for being here at Dover, and the Monster Mile for All-Star Weekend. We thank you.”
Watch Kyle Busch’s final words in his last victory
A lasting legacy
Busch was also asked about his “continuing legacy” on the series, to which the two-time NASCAR Cup Champion said he’s “been around for a long time.”
“Anytime I’m able to hear more things that have been accomplished, it just goes to show you’ve had a successful career, but you’ve also been here for a while,” Busch said. “All in all though, it takes a lot of great people beneath you or behind you, with you, (and) all of those things.”
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Busch went onto thank his team for being the wind beneath his wheels and helping him succeed.
“It’s nice to be able to come back over here and win some more races again with that group,” the race car driver added. “It’s fun and, you know, want to keep doing it.”
May 15’s win was Busch’s 69th win in the NASCAR Truck Series, extending his record for the most all-time victories.
However, it was not the final race of his career. Busch last raced in the 2026 NASCAR All-Star Race on May 17 at Dover, where he finished in 17th place.
More news: ‘Absolute shock’: NASCAR world reacts to death of Kyle Busch
What happened to Kyle Busch?
Busch died at 41 on Thursday, May 21, after he was rushed to the hospital with a severe illness, according to his family and NASCAR.
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While the cause of death is not immediately known, it occurred after a race Busch had prior to his last win when he asked for medical assistance while racing. On May 11, he was heard on team radio at Watkins Glen asking for a doctor to meet him after the race, as he was battling a sinus cold.
According to the 911 call obtained by USA Today, Busch was coughing up blood when emergency responders were called to a General Motors facility in Concord, N.C., the day before he died.
Busch was preparing to race in the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 this weekend in Charlotte, NC, part of the “Greatest Day in Motorsport” with the Indy 500.
Busch is survived by his wife, Samantha, and their two children: son Brexton, 11, and daughter Lennix, 4.
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Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@usatodayco.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ‘You never know when the last one is’: Kyle Busch after last victory
