Daniel Suarez Honors Kyle Busch with Coca-Cola 600 Race Victory

Daniel Suárez is dedicating his third career win to the late Kyle Busch.

“This weekend signifies more than just the race. With everything that has transpired with Kyle,” Suárez, 34, shared in an interview with Sports on Prime after the event. “This one holds a lot of significance.”

The Coca-Cola 600 — held at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina on Sunday, May 23 — marked the first NASCAR race following Busch’s unexpected passing.

On Thursday, May 21, news emerged that Busch had been hospitalized due to a “severe illness” and would be absent from Sunday’s race. Later that same day, NASCAR confirmed that Busch had passed away at the age of 41.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion and one of our sport’s most exceptional and tenacious drivers,” the organization stated on social media. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing, and the entire motorsports community.”

Suárez was among the drivers who paid tribute to Busch on social media following the tragic news of his death.

“In 2015, I used to call Kyle weekly for his advice and guidance as I started visiting racetracks for the first time,” he posted on Instagram. “He offered assistance when I was just beginning. I am in total shock. My thoughts are with his family during this incredibly hard time. Much love, amigo.”

A representative for Busch’s family confirmed to NBC News on Saturday, May 23, that he succumbed to pneumonia that led to “sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming complications.”

Sunday’s race was particularly emotional, attended by Busch’s family, including his wife Samantha Busch and brother Kurt Busch, at the Coca-Cola 600.

Samantha, 39, broke down in tears before a moment of silence was observed in honor of her late husband.

“Samantha, I want you to know that this sport stands with you, and that you and your children will always be part of the NASCAR family,” the announcer conveyed to the audience as Samantha embraced her son Brexton, 11. “Everyone here, everyone supporting you, every viewer on TV, and all those in the grandstands are your family, and we are here for you.”

The announcer concluded, “Kyle Busch is NASCAR. He was truly one of a kind, and there will never be another like him. I now invite everyone to join us in a moment of silence for Kyle.”