Kyle and I had a really challenging existence for many years. But we luckily took the time to figure out our differences and that was something he instigated with a conversation in his bus around how we each managed our racing teams. I was super eager for us to get on better terms. But it was he who made the effort for that to be possible. We did some media together also to laugh through some of the things we put each other through many years ago. Most recently we had even been discussing him running my Late Model at Wilkesboro this summer. He seemed extremely happy and we had planned to meet up next Thursday to get his seat to the shop. He laughed over the idea of his fans and JRM fans having to cheer in unison during that race.
Kyle was one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history. No one can deny that. But he was also a father, a husband, brother, son, and a friend to many. My heart is broken for the Busch family. I will never be able to make sense of this loss but I am thankful that we had found a way to become friends.
@ACSFBCoach I was on those Boyle State Championship teams. It didn't matter if you were an all state senior or a incoming freshman who may have never even played football before, he treated all of his players the same. He was a coach you wanted to play for. I'm glad I had the opportunity to.
Mark Stoops reset the culture of Kentucky football. He brought toughness, physicality, and grit at a time when the program desperately needed all three. More than that, the high points of his tenure here fostered belief. Streaks ended. Bowls won. Standards risen. Under his leadership, Kentucky became a program that, at our best, could compete with anyone.
I’ll remember his era as one defined by competitiveness and genuine excitement. I was in the stands for much of it, and saw with my own eyes the energy around our state and inside Kroger Field on gameday when Kentucky football was right. For a long stretch, Coach Stoops made it right. I am personally grateful to Mark for everything he has dedicated to this program over the last 13 years.
Recent seasons have been disappointing. The combination of factors required to win at the highest level of college football has shifted dramatically.
For Kentucky football to take the next step, it’s time for the next chapter.
Let’s go make it happen.