75 years into the making, where would NASCAR be without a classic rivalry?
Richard Petty vs. David Pearson, the Allison brothers vs. Cale Yarborough, Darrell Waltrip vs. Rusty Wallace, and Herbie vs. Trip Murphy (OK, maybe a little too far) have captivated fans for decades.
Then there’s Earnhardt vs. Gordon.
This clash of legends was so monumental, they made a documentary about it. It was a split right down the middle of NASCAR country.
There were those who rooted for the ‘man in black,’ Dale Earnhardt, who wore the famous sunglasses with a black jacket and blue jeans as often as he could. Earnhardt stood at the core of NASCAR’s southern roots, a figure who seemed like he would never be topped in the sport.
On the other side of the aisle was Jeff Gordon, a flashy, eccentric youngster who came from a completely different background. While Earnhardt was synonymous with his black No. 3, Gordon broke out the flamboyant No. 24 adorned in rainbow colors. He brought a different persona and feasibly motivated Earnhardt more than ever.
Perhaps no rivalry has defined an era such as Earnhardt vs Gordon, as the two led NASCAR in their skyrocketing popularity. Off the track, they had massive respect for each other. On the track, fans watched eagerly to see who would gain the upper hand.
Many things evaporated when Earnhardt lost his life at Daytona International Speedway in 2001. With his passing, NASCAR’s most important rivalry was gone. And they have never gained it back.
Despite the dominance of drivers like Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, the colorful characters of Tony Stewart, Kurt Busch or Joey Logano, and the favorites such as Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Chase Elliott, NASCAR has lacked a true rivalry that will have the sport buzzing. The beauty of Earnhardt vs. Gordon is unique, but also needs to re-emerge.
In 2023, that opportunity has risen.
A decade ago, a virtually unknown Kyle Larson battled with NASCAR villain Kyle Busch for a NASCAR Xfinity Series win at Bristol Motor Speedway. When it seemed Busch had it won, Larson nearly edged him at the line.
Since then, the ‘Kyle and Kyle show’ has had flashes of brilliance. Auto Club Speedway in 2014, the 2018 Bristol spring race and Chicagoland Speedway in 2018 featured epic duels with both drivers … with Busch coming out on top in all of them.