Kyle and Kurt Busch didn't talk for a year until their grandma stepped in
An infamous wreck in the 2007 All-Star Race almost ruined the relationship between Kyle and Kurt Busch. The NASCAR brothers are the winningest duo in the history of the sport. They are both champions in the Cup Series. While they are closer now, 16 years ago, things weren’t so great.
If you have been watching NASCAR for the last couple of decades, then you likely remember this moment. Kyle Busch in the No. 5 came down under his brother to go three wide. Then, he and Kurt were two-wide.
Of course, as racers often do, the two disagreed on who caused the wreck and who wrecked who. For a year to a year and a half, the two did not speak. After all, they each blamed each other for missing out on a $1M payday.
Eventually, it came time for the Busch brothers to celebrate their grandma’s birthday, or it might have been Thanksgiving dinner, according to Rowdy. There is no force stronger than Grandma. As they came together for that dinner, they spoke for the first time in a long time.
The way Kyle Busch says it, Kurt admitted he wrecked his little brother, and they made their amends. Here is Kyle telling the story on Cars & Culture with Jason Stein.
I bet Kyle Busch wishes he had SMT Data to show his brother back then. They could have settled it the Denny Hamlin way – steering data. Since Kurt has already admitted it, let’s just say, he came down on his little brother.
Kyle and Kurt Busch among NASCAR’s 75 Greatest
Of course, both Busch brothers are part of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers list. And deservedly so. At this point in their careers, they have been there and done that in pretty much ever facet of NASCAR. While Kurt’s career is on hold indefinitely, Kyle is still chasing championships.
Earlier this season when they were both named to that 75 list, it was a great moment for the Busch family to come together. Kurt and his career and story have connected with fans on another level. Kyle is (was?) one of the classic villains of the sport. Even if fans like him more now at RCR, he’s been the bad guy more than once.
Kyle Busch is preparing to enter the playoffs. He has a great shot at winning his third Cup Series championship. Meanwhile, Kurt Busch is still working with 23XI Racing to make it the best team it can be.
Both are NASCAR legends. And thankfully, friends.