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Kyle Busch's haunting words after NASCAR win days before shock death

Kyle Busch died six days after winning NASCAR's Truck Series race at Dover Motor Speedway

[DOVER, DELAWARE - MAY 15: Kyle Busch, driver of the #7 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, looks on during practice for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series ECOSAVE 200 at Dover Motor Speedway on May 15, 2026 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)]

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Kyle Busch won NASCAR's Truck Series race less than one week before his death(Image: Sean Gardner, Getty Images)

NASCAR legend Kyle Busch said just six days ago, following a Truck Series victory, that "you never know when your last one is," in a poignant interview and his tragic passing was confirmed on Thursday.

Busch, 41, died on Thursday after being hospitalized with a severe illness, with his family releasing a statement to confirm the heartbreaking news. Richard Childress Racing, Busch's Cup Series team, subsequently announced his replacement for the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday.

Busch unexpectedly passed away hours later as tributes flooded in for the future Hall of Famer. Having been thrilled with his Truck Series triumph at Dover Motor Speedway last week, his modest post-race interview now carries an even more devastating resonance.

Busch commanded Friday's Truck Series race, taking a bow at the finish line after leading 147 of 200 laps. It marked his fifth victory at the track and his second Truck Series win in four starts this season, reports the Express US.

He swept both stages, ultimately defeating Ty Majeski by 3.039 seconds. Reflecting after the race, Busch said, "You never know when the last one is, you know?"

[DOVER, DELAWARE - MAY 15: Kyle Busch, driver of the #7 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, poses for photos after winning the pole award during qualifying for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series ECOSAVE 200 at Dover Motor Speedway on May 15, 2026 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)]

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Kyle Busch died unexpectedly aged 41(Image: Sean Gardner, Getty Images)

"So, I know all too well, unfortunately, with the Cup stuff. But it's awesome just to be a part of Spire Motorsports."

Despite his Truck Series success this season, Busch's last Cup Series victory came on June 4, 2023, at World Wide Technology Raceway. He was eager to end the longest winless stretch of his career, and savored his memorable moment at Dover Motor Speedway. Busch participated in the All-Star Race last weekend, but it was confirmed Thursday that he would be absent from Sunday's Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Busch was admitted to hospital with a serious illness and sadly passed away hours later.

NASCAR released a statement saying, "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 motorsports community."

[DOVER, DELAWARE - MAY 17: Kyle Busch, driver of the #8 Lucas Oil Chevrolet, waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway on May 17, 2026 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)]

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Kyle Busch died six days after winning a race(Image: Sean Gardner, Getty Images)

A combined statement was subsequently issued by the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR. "On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch.

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"Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch. A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans.

"Throughout a career that spanned more than two decades, Kyle set records in national series wins, won championships at NASCAR's highest level and fostered the next generation of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series.

"His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal 'Rowdy Nation.' Our thoughts are with Samantha, Brexton and Lennix, Kyle and Samantha's parents, Kurt and all of Kyle's family, Richard and Judy Childress, everyone at Richard Childress Racing, his teammates, friends and fans.

"NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon. During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family's privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Further updates will be shared as appropriate."

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