Daniel Suárez is dedicating his third career win to the late Kyle Busch.
“This weekend, it just means more than just the race. With everything that has been happening with Kyle,” Suárez, 34, said while being interviewed for Sports on Prime after the race. “This one really means a lot.”
The Coca-Cola 600 — which took place at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina on Sunday, May 23 — was the first NASCAR race following Busch’s shocking death.
News broke on Thursday, May 21, that Busch had been hospitalized with a “severe illness” and would not be participating in Sunday’s race. Later that same day, NASCAR announced that Busch had died. He was 41.
“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,” the organization announced via social media on Thursday. “We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire motorsports community.”
Suárez was one of the drivers who took to social media with a tribute to Busch after news of his death.
“In 2015, I used to call Kyle once a week for his help and guidance as I started going to racetracks for the first time,” he shared on Instagram. “He gave me a hand when I was brand new to this. I am in complete shock. I am thinking of his family during this incredibly difficult time. Much love amigo.”
A rep for Busch’s family confirmed to NBC News on Saturday, May 23, that he died from pneumonia that progressed “into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications.”
Sunday’s race was an emotional one with Busch’s family, including his wife Samantha Busch and brother Kurt Busch, in attendance at the Coca-Cola 600.
Samantha, 39, broke down in tears before a moment of silence was held in her late husband’s honor.
“Samantha, I want you to know that this sport stands with you, and that you and your children are NASCAR family forever,” the announcer told the crowd as Samantha hugged son Brexton, 11. “Everyone gathered here, everyone behind you, everybody watching on TV, and all those people up in that grandstand are your family, and we’ve got you.”
The announcer concluded, “Kyle Busch is NASCAR. He was one of a kind and there will never be another, and I’d ask everybody now to join us in a moment of silence for Kyle.”
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