Regardless, track promoter Humpy Wheeler couldn’t resist fanning the flames Monday by sending his trio of unarmed guards into the track to “protect” Busch, who found the whole thing rather comical. It was an accident, one he’s apologized for, and he’s reached out to Earnhardt to privately discuss what each driver could have done differently.

“There’s not been any death threats, that would be ludicrous,” Busch said. “Maybe they’re out there, but I haven’t seen them. I hope that my well-being is safe in this deal and since Junior ended up OK. Hopefully I can end up OK.”

The irony of the whole situation is that Earnhardt’s anger was never even really directed at Busch. His problem lies more with Denny Hamlin, who intentionally brought out a caution that set the circumstances for Earnhardt to wreck.

Hamlin was going to win Saturday night’s race until a slow leak in his right front tire allowed Earnhardt and Busch to pass him with 18 laps to go. As the tire continued to deflate, a frustrated Hamlin struggled to find a clear lane to head into the pits.

So he simply stopped his car on the track and waited for NASCAR to call the caution. The yellow came out, Hamlin was penalized two laps for his intentional maneuver, and the stage was set for Earnhardt and Busch to race for the win.

Earnhardt viewed Hamlin’s deliberate act as unprofessional, and recognized the role it played in him losing the race.

“Everybody knows the deal on that one. Everybody knows that’s wrong,” he snapped at reporters Saturday night after finishing 15th. “Y’all know what to write. I ain’t writing it for you.”

Four-time series champion Jeff Gordon also questioned the move, speculating Hamlin likely snapped after leading a record 381 of the first 382 laps, only to see his certain win vanish by a cut tire.

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“It looked very obvious to me that he was overly frustrated,” Gordon said. “He was pretty much going to win the race and I think he was extremely upset and frustrated and didn’t do what most people would do — which is come to pit road long before the tire blows.”

But there are no beer cans being hurled at Hamlin. No need for security, either.

That’s all being saved for Busch, who had the nerve to chase Earnhardt for a win.

Shame on him.

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