The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Daytona International Speedway tonight for the Coke Zero Sugar 400, a regular season finale that comes just over three months after the sport lost its modern-day Dale Earnhardt equivalent in Kyle Busch. Busch's death in May was the first major NASCAR death for an active driver since Earnhardt's fatal crash on the final turn of the 2001 Daytona 500.
Busch won just once at Daytona during his two decades in a Cup car, and never claimed the coveted 500 victory. Despite his limited success at the track, Busch appreciated and respected Daytona, often referencing Earnhardt's iconic status at the circuit. In February's 500, Busch led the third lap, which was dedicated to Earnhardt's memory on the 25th anniversary of his death. After the race, Busch posted on social media, "Led lap 3 for Dale plus a few more today. Made it to the end, just not in the right spot."
Saturday night's race will mark the first Cup event at Daytona without an Earnhardt or a Busch in the field since 1978, a remarkable 48-year drought. The absence of these two storied names will be palpable, but their legacies will undoubtedly be honored by the fans and the sport as a whole.
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