Kyle Busch's final words about Daytona come with a sobering Dale Earnhardt twist
In fact, drive under the tunnel and into the infield, and a "Rowdy Forever" banner is the first thing that greets you.It's not the only one.
Not even close.They're everywhere this weekend.Of course, that's expected.This is the first NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona since Busch's stunning death in May.
The Coke Zero Sugar 400 is set to close the regular season later tonight — a little over three months since the sport lost its modern day Dale Earnhardt.For better and for worse, those two will forever be attached at the hip.KYLE BUSCH'S CHILLING MESSAGE AFTER FINAL NASCAR WIN A PAINFUL ENDING FOR MOURNING FANSKyle Busch, driver of the No.18 M&M's Toyota, stands on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., on Feb.
9, 2020.(Getty Images)Busch's death in May was the first major NASCAR death for an active driver since Earnhardt died on the final turn of the 2001 Daytona 500.For decades, Daytona gave Dale fits.
He could win all the races, except the race.Busch won just once at Daytona during his two decades in a Cup car, and never won a 500.It was the crown jewel he never got.Lord knows he tried.
Came close a couple times, too.Earlier this year, Busch grabbed his first Daytona 500 pole.
He led 19 laps, but he fizzled late.No, Kyle never loved Daytona the way Dale Earnhardt did.But he appreciated it.
He respected it.Signs for Kyle Busch at Daytona.(Zach Dean/ OutKick)During February's 500, he led the third lap of the race, which was dedicated to Dale Earnhardt on what was the 25th anniversary of his death."Led lap 3 for Dale plus a few more today," he posted days after the race.
"Made it to the end, just not in the right spot."Now, the series returns for the first time since his death — and for the first time without an Earnhardt or a Busch in the field since 1978.Yep.That's right.
Saturday night's race will be the first Cup race at Daytona without an Earnhardt or ...