Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently opened up about the last text message he exchanged with Kyle Busch before the driver’s sudden death, a conversation that revealed a shared vision for the upcoming CARS Tour event.
According to Earnhardt Jr., Busch had asked to pilot his late‑model car under the distinctive ‘Dale Jr. 8’ livery, a request that was quickly approved, setting the stage for a collaboration that fans had eagerly anticipated.
A Scheme Honored
The final exchange ended with a head‑explosion emoji and the words ‘Race fans,’ a brief but vivid note that captured Busch’s excitement and the camaraderie between the two competitors.
When the Coca‑Cola 600 rolled around, the garage was filled with tributes from teammates, rivals and fans alike, as the sport grappled with the shock of losing a 41‑year‑old talent.
The on‑track ceremony featured a pace lap with the missing‑man formation, and a moment of silence fell on the eighth lap, a poignant nod to the number Busch had requested.
In the aftermath, Richard Childress Racing announced that Austin Hill would take over the No. 33 Chevrolet at Nashville, a tribute that saw the number switched from 8 to 33 in respect for Busch and his family.
Hill, who currently competes full‑time in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series for RCR in the No. 21 car, brings a proven record of 15 career victories to the seat, underscoring the depth of talent within the organization.