Kyle Busch is NASCAR’s reigning Cup Series champion and the resident villain of the series.
Chase Elliott has been voted most popular driver the past two years, and the son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott from Dawsonville, Georgia, is quickly building a loyal and rabid fan base.
Their on-track tussle at Darlington Raceway this week very well might be the start of a new feud and the type of rivalry NASCAR could use these days.
Busch admittedly misjudged a gap and unintentionally wrecked Elliott in what turned out to be the final lap under a green flag during Wednesday night’s Cup Series race at the South Carolina track. Elliott crashed, climbed out of his car, waved off medical personnel and waited on the apron for Busch to circle the track under caution.
As Busch passed, Elliott gave him a long, middle-finger salute.