Kyle Busch, the two-time Cup champion, has revealed an intriguing mix of pride and envy as he witnesses the rising stars of NASCAR, many of whom he personally mentored. This disclosure provides a fascinating insight into the mindset of a seasoned racing driver grappling with the inevitable transition from new sensation to respected elder statesman.
Memories still linger from the 2024 Circuit of The Americas where Busch lost his temper with Christopher Bell, his former protégé, after a collision on the track. Fast-forward to the next year, and the narrative had taken an unexpected turn. After a grueling contest, Bell overtook Busch and went on to win the race. Busch’s response was surprisingly gracious, praising Bell for his skillful and hard-fought victory.
This shift in dynamics encapsulates Busch’s complex journey from being known as “Rowdy” to becoming a mentor to a new generation of racers through his Kyle Busch Motorsports program. Christopher Bell is just one example of the talent that has emerged from Busch’s program, with other notable graduates including William Byron and several other Cup Series stars.
Busch’s aspiration to remain amongst the elite is evident. He made a formidable entry into the racing world in the 2000s, making his mark when he won eight races out of the first 22 in his debut season for Joe Gibbs Racing in 2008.
Interestingly, Busch’s current competitors include Chase Elliott, son of Bill Elliott, a racing legend who Busch once competed against. Despite the absence of a mentoring relationship, Busch was one of the first to reach out when Elliott injured his foot in 2023. This act of empathy stemmed from Busch’s personal experience when he also suffered a similar injury in 2015.
Busch’s pride in his protégés is tinged with jealousy as he admits to Kevin Harvick during their Happy Hour discussion. The success and championship contention of his former students only fuels his desire to compete and win. This sentiment was evident during the 2025 COTA race where Busch led for 42 laps only to be overtaken by Bell. Despite this, Busch expressed admiration for Bell’s clean pass.
As he continues to race against the younger generation, Busch remains motivated, even acknowledging the cyclical nature of the sport, with the next wave of racers potentially including his son, Brexton, and Harvick’s son, Keelan. Both youngsters already have impressive resumes, with Keelan winning the 2024 INEX Young Lions Asphalt National Championship and Brexton earning multiple junior sprint titles.
Busch’s ability to spot talent early on led him to mentor both Christopher Bell and William Byron. Bell’s career took off after joining Kyle Busch Motorsports in 2014, culminating in a NASCAR Truck Series Championship in 2017. Similarly, Byron’s rookie season in 2016 saw him secure a record-breaking seven victories.
Despite his mentorship, Busch admits to holding back some information from his students, pushing them to figure out the final 20% on their own. This strategy seems to have paid off, with all four of his mentees becoming multiple-time race winners.
His upcoming protege is his son, Brexton, who has already started teasing Busch about his wins. Busch, currently on a 62-race winless streak, takes these jibes in stride, advising his son to cherish his victories as the competition will only get tougher.
With this reveal, Kyle Busch not only provides a glimpse into the workings of the sport but also his personal transformation from a fiery competitor to a seasoned mentor with a keen eye for talent. As he navigates this transition, he continues to aim for excellence and remains a significant and inspiring figure in NASCAR.