Daniel Suarez claimed an epic victory in a rain-shortened Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte on Sunday night, but after the race he could only speak about one thing - the great Kyle Busch.
The sport of NASCAR has been enveloped in sadness and grief since the news that Busch had shockingly passed away at the age of just 41 last Thursday.
On Sunday the sport came together publicly for the first time with Kyle's widow Samantha and their children Brexton and Lennix to remember a true Cup Series great.
It was an emotionally-charged evening which tugged at the heartstrings of a nation. Tears flowed, but there was still a race to win, to honor 'Rowdy' on the track as well as off it.
It was fitting that the 34-year-old Suarez, who credits his great friend Busch for also being his greatest mentor in the sport, should take the checkered flag for victory.
WATCH: NASCAR's emotional Kyle Busch tribute video
Daniel Suarez on Charlotte win and Kyle Busch
Afterwards he was clearly choked up and emotional as he dedicated the success to the late two-time Cup Series champion.
"This one really means a lot. I've been saying for years that this is my favorite race of the year - I get to have my family here every year, this is most of the time the only race that they get to come.
"It's been a very tough week - Kyle, he was a special man. This one is for Kyle - for Kyle, for Samantha, for Brexton, for Lennix, for all his family.
"This is very special, every win is special but definitely this one has a special flavor because of Kyle, this one is for him.
"If it wasn't for Kyle I wasn't gonna be an Xfinity champion, I wasn't gonna have my shot in the Cup Series. And to be able to win this race for him is unbelievable."
KYLE BUSCH: Remembering 'Rowdy' after NASCAR legend's tragic death at 41
