Back in 2017, Kyle Busch had multiple deals lined up for him to try out the Double — the Indy 500, and the Coca-Cola 600. However, the deal could not be materialized, despite being one of the most anticipated events of the time, even with a two-time Cup Series champion being involved. And the reason was Joe Gibbs.

Busch had recently shot an episode with Denny Hamlin in his Actions Detrimental podcast. There, he opened up about how he missed out on the Indy 500.

"I had it. It was all done. M&M's was gonna do it," Busch opened up. "Chevrolet was okay with it. Toyota was okay with it. M&M's was paying for it."

Hamlin asked, "If an opportunity came up, Richard probably wouldn't have any issue in it, would he?" to which Busch replied, "No, I had it signed, sealed, and delivered again. And then Larson took it," Busch further added.

Notably, Busch was racing for Joe Gibbs Racing at the time, and Joe Gibbs, the owner of the team, had a strict rule regarding allowing its drivers to run races other than NASCAR. Oftentimes, it was found that drivers injured themselves while running different series, and because of this, Gibbs was skeptical.

Given that Busch was at his prime at the time, it made sense why Gibbs did not want the star driver to run the race.

However, Busch's Double attempt will now forever be an incomplete dream.

Kyle Busch tragically passed away ahead of Coca-Cola 600

Kyle Busch, 41, passed away on Friday following a severe undisclosed illness, as he was hospitalized on Thursday. Following the shocking death of one of NASCAR's biggest stars, NASCAR, RCR, and Busch's family released a joint statement.

"Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch. A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled, and he cared deeply about the sport and fans.

"During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family's privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Further updates will be shared as appropriate," the statement further read.

Following his death, several high-profile drivers and experts, such as Dale Earnhardt Jr, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, among many others, shared their condolences on social media.

We pray he rest in peace.

Read more at the RFK Racing Digest

Written by

Sabyasachi Biswas

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason