Dale Earnhardt Jr. brought NASCAR back to life 25 years ago this weekend, but the pain is back

Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch died suddenly at 41, Fox News reports. The motor sports world expresses shock and sorrow over his unexpected passing. Busch, known for his fierce competitive spirit, leaves a profound legacy in racing, survived by his wife Samantha, and their two children. Colleagues remember him as a talented driver and a kind individual.

Hard to believe, but it's been 25 years since Dale Earnhardt Jr. turned tragedy into triumph and injected life back into NASCAR.

That's right. Twenty-five years ago this weekend, Junior returned to Daytona International Speedway six months after the track killed his father and won the Pepsi 400.

Remember? Of course you do. How could you not?

Earnhardt Jr. diced his way through the field in the waning laps in the iconic No. 8 Budweiser Chevy, and conquered more than one demon along the way.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. celebrates his Pepsi 400 win at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL Saturday July 7, 2001. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

NBC's Allen Bestwick delivered arguably the greatest line in sports history. Certainly the greatest line in motorsports history.

"It's going to be Dale Earnhardt Jr., using lessons learned from his father to go from sixth to first and score the victory in the Pepsi 400!"

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Everything about it was perfect. The roar from the crowd. The call. The track. The finishing order (Junior won, while Michael Waltrip finished second).

The celebration that finally got to take place.

"It’s as storybook as it can get," Junior once told me years ago.

NASCAR is once again at a crossroads.

I spoke to Junior about that