Moments after winning the Ecosave 200 in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Denver Motor Speedway on Friday, Busch delivered a heartfelt statement explaining why winning races never got old for him.

“You never know when the last one is,” Busch said of his 69th Truck Series 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.”

“I’m sure it looked great out front, leading the race,” he added. “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 Series win was Busch’s final victory before his passing. He went on to finish 17th in the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race on May 17.

NASCAR announced Busch’s death on Thursday afternoon after he was hospitalized with a severe illness earlier that 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 extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire motorsports community.”

Kyle Busch, Legendary Nascar Cup Series Champion, Dead at 41

Busch was withdrawn from the Coca-Cola 600 field on Thursday morning, with a family statement confirming he had been hospitalized.

“Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization,” the statement 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.”

The exact cause of Busch’s death remains unknown. However, he had been dealing with a sinus issue less than two weeks prior, requesting medical attention in the final moments at Watkins Glen International on May 10.

“Can somebody try to find Bill Heisel? He’s the kindred doctor guy. Tell him I need him after the race, please,” Busch said.

“I’m gonna need a shot,” he added.

On May 16, Busch told reporters his illness was still lingering.

“I’m still not great,” he said when asked if he was feeling better. “The cough was pretty substantial last week.”