It isn’t difficult to identify a Kyle Busch fan at Daytona International Speedway. Entering through the tunnel, you quickly notice the ‘Rowdy Forever’ banners. They appear frequently during the event weekend. This comes as no surprise.

The current NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona marks the first since Kyle Busch’s unexpected passing in May. The Coke Zero Sugar 400 concludes the regular season—over three months after the sport’s loss.

Kyle Busch’s Last Message and the Fans’ Grief

Kyle Busch, who drove the No. 18 M&M’s Toyota, was seen on the grid during the Daytona 500 qualifiers on February 9, 2020. His death was a significant moment for NASCAR, being the first active driver loss since Dale Earnhardt in 2001.

Daytona often posed challenges for Earnhardt. Despite victories, he couldn’t clinch the 500 until later in his career. Busch, too, had limited wins at Daytona, never securing a 500 victory. He had a chance earlier this year with a Daytona 500 pole, leading 19 laps before falling short.

While Kyle didn’t share Earnhardt’s affection for Daytona, he acknowledged its significance. During the 500 in February, he led the third lap dedicated to Earnhardt, marking the 25th year since his death. Busch posted, ‘Led lap 3 for Dale plus a few more today. Made it to the end, just not in the right spot.’

Daytona Without an Earnhardt or Busch

This race also marks a historic absence—the first since 1978 without either an Earnhardt or a Busch racing at Daytona. In 1978, Bobby Allison won the Daytona 500, with Earnhardt participating later that year.

The sports connection to Earnhardt and Busch is undeniable. Dale Earnhardt died in the 2001 Daytona 500, coinciding with Kurt Busch’s initial race. Kyle Busch debuted five years later, achieving 63 Cup victories and two championships.

Busch’s Achievements and Legacy

Kyle Busch attained success with 234 wins across three NASCAR national series. His accomplishments include victories at significant events like the Coca-Cola 600 and the Southern 500. He experienced limited success at Daytona, winning some duels and the Busch Clash on the road course in 2021.

Earlier this year, Busch commented, ‘Yeah, it’s a box we got to check. Here we are. This is an opportunity to be able to do that. I’ve come down here a lot of years.’ Despite never winning a Daytona 500, his presence remains felt.

The weekend highlights Busch’s absence and enduring influence. Like Earnhardt, his legacy looms large at Daytona.