Dale Earnhardt Jr. Mourns Kyle Busch in X Tribute After 2008 Rivalry Turned Friendship
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · May 21
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Mourns Kyle Busch in X Tribute After 2008 Rivalry Turned Friendship
1 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · May 21
Dale Earnhardt Jr. said Kyle Busch had recently planned to drive his Late Model at Wilkesboro this summer, making Busch's death from a severe illness feel even more sudden.
In an emotional X post, Earnhardt said Busch had been the one to initiate their reconciliation after years of tension, including a feud rooted in Busch's Hendrick exit and a last-lap Richmond wreck in 2008.
Earnhardt wrote that the two had arranged to meet next Thursday to fit Busch's seat, and joked that Busch and JRM fans would have to cheer together.
The tribute closed by casting Busch as more than one of NASCAR's greatest drivers, with Earnhardt offering condolences to his family and saying he was grateful they had become friends.
Did Kyle Busch's controversial 'villain' persona mask the respected friend his rivals are now mourning?
How did a bitter rivalry with Dale Jr. evolve into one of NASCAR's most profound friendships?
What 'severe illness' claimed a top driver like Kyle Busch just days after his last race victory?