Just as it did in 2001, NASCAR will race on after death of a legend

NASCAR will race this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway absent a legend in Kyle Busch, who died Thursday at age 41. 

Less than one week ago at Dover Motor Speedway, Busch won in his final NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start. 

"You never know when the last one is," Busch said. 

While Busch was talking about a driver's last win, his words ring even more true in the wake of his tragic and untimely passing one day before he was set to race again in the Truck Series on Friday and three days before he was set to drive his No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet in the Coca-Cola 600. 

And however painfully difficult it will be for everyone in the NASCAR industry, especially those at Richard Childress Racing and driver Austin Hill, who will drive Busch's No. 8 on Sunday evening, the show must go on. 

Just as it did 25 years ago. 

Busch was to the NASCAR fans of today what Dale Earnhardt was to the generation of fans previous: a legendary driver who, despite ruffling his fair share of feathers, received an outpouring of support and love in the aftermath of his death on Feb. 18, 2001 on the final lap of the Daytona 500. 

Earnhardt's death sent a seismic shockwave through the sport. It was on the front page of newspapers across the country and the top story on newscasts for days after. 

Yet despite the grief, NASCAR showed up at Rockingham Speedway the next week to race. Kevin Harvick was set to drive Earnhardt's Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, though it had been repainted white and re-numbered to 29. 

"Lord, our hearts are hurting," said former driver and Fox analyst Darrell Waltrip as he gave the invocation on a cloudy North Carolina afternoon. "We've lost a great friend. And it all seems so unfair. Today, we have to deal with a tragedy. So Father, we ask you to give us strength."

Steve Park, who drove for Earnhardt's team, Dale Earnhardt Inc., went on to win at Rockingham. Earnhardt's son, Dale Earnhardt Jr., won at Daytona when NASCAR returned to the track in July. 

Those were the moments of triumphs in a season of tragedy that NASCAR so desperately needed. It's the same kind of triumphs that are needed now in the wake of Busch's death. 

But whether or not those triumphs occur, NASCAR will do what its always done: it will race. 

Just as it did in 1993 after the deaths of Alan Kulwicki and Davey Allison. Just as it did in 1994 after the death of Neil Bonnett. Just as it did in 2000 after the deaths of Adam Petty, Kenny Roper and Kenny Irwin Jr. 

And just as it did after the death of Earnhardt, who was seen as an indomitable figure. 

NASCAR racing won't feel the same for a while. It may never feel the same again. 

But racing is necessary for healing, because a love for it is what binds Busch, Earnhardt and all of their peers in the industry together no matter the circumstances.