In sports, watching on-field rivalry turn into an off-field heated race is a very common narrative to spurn, but there is nothing wrong as long as it’s healthy. NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. once admitted to blurring the line in his iconic rivalry with Kurt Busch and Kyle Busch. You can hardly find a more fired-up nemesis family in NASCAR  history than that of the Dale-Busch, as they successfully touched record after record in drawing into some ugly fights and duals on track. While fans often seem to enjoy their bittersweet chemistry on the track, Dale Jr. said sometimes things actually took a toll on his focus.

However, despite the intense history, Dale Jr. once missed his shot to hit a smack into Kurt’s sponsor brand Miller, and here’s why.

Kurt Busch racing in a Budweiser car could’ve been a reality

NASCAR Hall of Fame Dale Jr drove the No. 8 iconic red-white point scheme in the Cup series from 1999 to 2007 under the primary sponsorship of Budweiser. On the flip, Kurt Busch’s Miller Lite Dodge represented the exclusive beer brand, Miller since 2005. Now, just close your eyes and imagine a UNO reverse: Dale Earnhardt Jr. on a blue Miller Lite Dodge and Kurt Busch in a red Budweiser Chevrolet? Oops! Don’t freak out. I mean, it could have happened almost two decades back.

Busch’s $12 million worth Miller Lite sponsor extended a cranky bet to Earnhardt’s Budweiser, regarding the outcome of the 2006 Nextel Cup Series. The proposed deal was simple yet hilarious. Miller’s chief marketing officer Tom Long sent an official letter to Anheuser-Busch vice president of brand management Marlene Coulis. The deal stated the driver with the lower points must change the paint scheme on his car to the winning sponsor’s scheme in the next year’s race.

Dale Jr. and Anheuser-Busch didn’t take much to throw the deal on the bean. His logic was clear, He didn’t want to make a monkey of his core sports endeavour. This is a joke, right? I’m focused on the season and winning races, so I’m not interested in a stunt like this,” Junior said. “I’m the Bud guy and this deal is something dreamed up by the guys in Milwaukee to create something out of nothing.”

However, Busch wasn’t on the same page with Earnhardt like always, The 2004 series champion thought it would trigger more fun and excitement and most importantly give him an added push to go and nail the show.

Although it remained a far-fetched imagination of the fans, the rivalry of the legendary NASCAR duo kept on hitting peaks and valleys over the last few years of Dale’s career. But Dale Jr. had even a bitter rivalry with Kurt’s brother Kyle Busch that has seen a peaceful accord.

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Dale Jr. and Kyle Busch sorted things up later in their career

Their rivalry wasn’t just confined to the sponsorship deals and the track records, they were in fact pretty close to engaging in a physical battle over an unplanned encounter back in 2014. During a spring practice, both the stars were present at Phoenix. They came across each other by chance and Junior unintentionally blocked Kyle’s way. In return, Bush flipped him the bird. It was pretty disrespectful to the other and he sent a scathing threat to the ‘Rowdy’, I said Kyle if you ever flip me off again, I’m going to rip your head off and I’m going to k— you. I’m going to beat the hell out of you.”

Junior admitted it was a blunt expression of his pent-up frustration of a wasted 2013 season and a lackluster start to 2014. However, after dishing the threat, Junior immediately moved away from the place to avoid a potential physical fight. Later in an interview, the former HMS driver revealed the rivalry was getting the better of his career, leaving a sharp shadow on his focus.

But as it turns out the two drivers had come to terms. Both of them openly discussed what pi—- them off about the other and found a middle ground. Junior added now it’s just the fans who still hold on to this rivalry as he is on good terms with Rowdy.