Kyle Busch, a veteran in NASCAR and a two-time Cup Series champion, is proving that even the most experienced racers can learn a thing or two from the next generation. After a tough 2024 season that saw him go winless and miss the playoffs, Busch has been on a mission to regain his competitive edge. That mission has led him to the dirt tracks of Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he’s been shining in the 600cc Winged Micro Sprint event at the Tulsa Shootout.
Surprisingly, the secret weapon behind his recent success may very well be his nine-year-old son, Brexton Busch.
Brexton Busch: The Young Mentor
Brexton, already a rising star in the racing world, has been competing with maturity far beyond his years. Not only has he been impressing on the dirt tracks, but he’s also been mentoring his dad. Yes, the roles have reversed, and Kyle Busch has been the student in this dynamic.
Busch shared a humorous yet insightful story about a race earlier this year where Brexton’s advice paid off:
“There was a race at the airport this year where you got to run the bottom, and of course, I went to the top to make something happen because everyone was stuck at the bottom. He comes in afterward and says, ‘I told you you had to stay at the bottom.’ It’s fun. We prep a lot.”
Brexton’s feedback has clearly resonated with his dad. Whether it’s offering lane-choice tips or just pushing him to refine his dirt-track skills, Brexton has been instrumental in Kyle’s recent performances.
Kyle’s Tulsa Success: A Redemption Arc
Busch’s No. 51 car has been tearing up the dirt tracks in Tulsa. Competing in both the Outlaw class and the non-winged class, Busch has shown the lightning-fast pace and adaptability that earned him the nickname “Rowdy.” His ability to seamlessly switch between high and low lanes and make decisive race-winning moves has been on full display.
While his success in the Tulsa Shootout may not erase the disappointments of the 2024 NASCAR season, it’s a step in the right direction for the 39-year-old. More importantly, it’s a reminder to fans and competitors alike that Kyle Busch’s competitive fire is far from extinguished.
Brexton: A Future Star in the Making
While Kyle Busch uses the Tulsa Shootout to regain momentum, it’s clear that Brexton is more than just a prodigy—he’s already a strategic thinker on the track. His knack for reading races and understanding racecraft at such a young age is impressive, and his influence on his dad’s performance speaks volumes.
As Kyle joked, the advice sometimes comes with “tough love,” but it’s working wonders.
What Does This Mean for 2025?
Kyle Busch hopes his success in Tulsa will serve as a springboard for the upcoming NASCAR season. With his son’s guidance and a renewed sense of purpose, the veteran driver appears determined to return to victory lane and prove he’s still a force to be reckoned with.
As for Brexton, his growing racing prowess—and ability to mentor a NASCAR legend—suggests that the Busch family legacy in motorsports is in very good hands.