Zane Smith shares story of 'full-circle moment' earning Kyle Busch's respect
The NASCAR world is still mourning the loss of Kyle Busch, who died unexpectedly earlier this year. On August 18, the sport celebrated "Kyle Busch Day," honoring the two numbers (8/18) that he raced under for the majority of his career. Busch's fellow drivers took time to share stories of how the veteran impacted their careers. One such story was offered by Zane Smith, who remembered an ... Keep…
NASCAR driver Kyle Busch's passing has left a void in the sport, with his legacy continuing to resonate among fans and fellow drivers. On August 18, the NASCAR community honored Busch's impact through "Kyle Busch Day." Among the tributes, Zane Smith shared a story from his early days in racing. Smith appeared on the Door Bumper Clear podcast with teammate Noah Gragson, reminiscing about Busch's tough yet fair leadership.
Smith, a lifelong fan of Busch, recalled a memorable battle they had at Charlotte. While trailing Busch, Smith took the lead, splitting the two drivers three-wide. During the race, Busch shouted at the radio, questioning who was driving the No. 21 car. Smith believes this unexpected shout-out piqued the interest of other fans, leading them to learn more about him.
Later that year, Smith and Busch shared a "full-circle moment" at Texas Motor Speedway, starting the race on the front row together. Smith appreciated Busch's respect for his skills, noting that the veteran respected the game at the time. This interaction marked a significant moment in Smith's career, connecting him to his early days as a fan watching Busch race at the same track.
As Busch's legacy continues to shape the NASCAR season, stories like Smith's help preserve the legend of Rowdy.
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