The World Wide Technology Raceway holds the memory of the final NASCAR Cup Series win of the late Kyle Busch. Wheeling the No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, Busch took the checkered flag in the Enjoy Illinois 300 on June 4, 2023.
It was Busch’s 63rd career Cup victory and what would unexpectedly be his final as the two-time Cup Series champions tragically passed away on May 21 of this year. Busch died after a case of severe pneumonia that progressed into sepsis.
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In the wake of Busch’s death, the NASCAR community has carried heavy hearts through every race weekend. Given that “Rowdy” won his last NASCAR Cup Series race at World Wide Technology Raceway, this upcoming race weekend will carry an extra emotional weight.
Kyle Busch’s win in the 2023 Enjoy Illinois 300
Busch’s final career Cup win was a vintage performance.
The Las Vegas native started on the pole, won the opening stage, finished second in Stage 2 and led a race-high 121 of 243 laps en route to victory. Busch fended off former Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin, who finished second.
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Joey Logano finished third, followed by Kyle Larson in fourth and Martin Truex Jr. rounded out the top five.
The win was the 116th overall win for Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series. World Wide Technology Raceway was the 23rd different racetrack Busch won at in the Cup Series and it marked the ninth time he won from the pole position.
It was Busch’s third win of the 2023 Cup Series season, his first campaign behind the wheel of the No. 8 RCR Chevrolet. Earlier in the year, Busch won the final Cup race at Auto Club Speedway and also picked up a victory at Talladega Superspeedway.
Busch proceeded to go winless the remainder of the year and was eliminated in the Round of 12 in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. In both 2024 and 2025, Busch failed to make the playoffs and went winless in both seasons.
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Although struggles plagued Busch’s stint at RCR, the start was lightning in a bottle as “Rowdy” earned his three victories with the organization within his first 15 starts.
What Kyle Busch said after WWT Raceway win
Standing next to his son, Brexton, on the frontstretch with his wife, Samantha, and daughter, Lennix, watching the celebration from afar, Kyle Busch was interviewed by FOX Sports’ Regan Smith after his 63rd career Cup win.
“That was pretty awesome. Man, to sit on the pole, lead a lot of laps and have my guys do such a great job today was pretty phenomenal for us. Great for RCR. Just win, baby,” Busch said.
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The NASCAR community continues to come to grips with Busch’s passing. Tributes have flooded the racetracks since his death in May in honor of the fallen champion.
Ty Gibbs will sport Busch’s iconic M&M’s scheme in next Saturday’s Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. On October 9, the Charlotte Motor Speedway will hold a celebration of life in memory of Busch.
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