Dale Earnhardt Jr. Shares Last Texts From Kyle Busch Before His Death

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kyle Busch were planning for the future. 

Just a week after NASCAR driver Busch tragically passed away at 41 due to complications from pneumonia, a fellow driver revealed details of their last conversation.

I still can’t believe it. I was actually texting with him the day before… we were making plans to get together this Thursday! He was going to bring the seat for his late model over to my shop, you know? It was all set. We’d even agreed he was going to drive one of our cars in the CARS Tour. It feels so unreal thinking about it now, like it didn’t actually happen. I just… I can’t get over it.

Even though Busch was in the hospital due to his illness shortly before he passed away, Earnhardt shared that Busch was still thinking about and making plans for the race on May 30th.

He texted me, asking what plan we were going to use. I told him he could use any plan he wanted. Then he asked what number he could drive, and actually said, ‘The Dale Jr. 8!’ I said, ‘You got it,’ meaning he was approved to use it.

Their last conversation hadn’t been memorable, and because Kurt Busch’s death was such a shock, Earnhardt admitted it was very hard to hear the news. However, he’s felt a little better in the days since.

You know, what’s really stood out to me while getting to know Kyle is discovering the man behind the racer. We all see him perform on the track and handle himself in interviews, but I’ve been fortunate enough to connect with him as a person, and it’s been amazing to see that side of him – the Kyle away from the suit and the racing environment. It’s a completely different dynamic when you know someone on a personal level.

The 51-year-old man shared that he’s learned more about Busch’s relationships with others.

I’ve really appreciated getting to know him as a person, not just a driver,” Earnhardt reflected. “Seeing how he treated people, the little jokes he’d share – it’s been great to learn what he was like away from racing and how he connected with others.

The Busch family announced that he passed away just hours after being admitted to the hospital on May 21st. He had been suffering from a serious illness, later identified as pneumonia that developed into sepsis.

NASCAR is deeply saddened by the passing of Kyle Busch. He was an exceptionally talented driver, considered a future Hall of Famer and a once-in-a-generation athlete. Known for his competitive spirit, passion, and skill, Kyle truly cared about NASCAR and its fans.

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2026-05-27 18:17