Dale Earnhardt Jr. Reflects on Last Text with Late NASCAR Star Kyle Busch
Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently opened up about his final text conversation with the late Kyle Busch, which occurred just a day before Busch’s untimely passing. Their discussion primarily revolved around Busch’s upcoming involvement in the CARS tour set for May 30th. Earnhardt noted that Busch was slated to assist in repairing the late model car he intended to drive during that race.
“I was in touch with him the day before he passed, discussing the plan for this Thursday to bring his late model seats to my shop,” Earnhardt Jr. shared. Busch had texted him asking, “What plan are you going to do?” and Earnhardt replied confidently, “I can execute any plan.” When Busch inquired about what number he wanted to race with, he simply responded, “Dale Jr. 8.” Earnhardt recalled thinking, “Okay,” in response.
The number 8 holds significant meaning for Earnhardt Jr., who raced it from 1999 to 2007. During that time, he celebrated 17 Cup Series victories and achieved a career-high third-place finish in the 2003 Winston Cup Series.
Kyle Busch tragically passed away on May 21 at the age of 41. His death certificate revealed that he had been battling bacterial pneumonia in the days leading up to his death, which ultimately progressed to sepsis.
This shocking news hit many of his fellow racers hard, considering the respect they held for Busch. On the track, he had adopted a sort of villain persona, earning the nickname “Rowdy.” His rivalries with other racers were intense and captivated fans, often leaving them eager for more.
However, what resonated with Earnhardt Jr. was not just the competitive spirit Busch exhibited on the racetrack, but also the personal connection he had with him off it.
“I knew him personally,” Earnhardt recalled. “But seeing how he interacted with people, how he treated them, and the little jokes he might share through texts—it was a real treat to understand the man he was beyond the track.”
Busch is undoubtedly remembered for his numerous wins on NASCAR tracks, but the stories emerging from Earnhardt Jr. and other racers present a different side of him, one that exists away from the spotlight.
