At just nine years old, Brexton Busch is already making a name for himself in the world of motorsports. The young prodigy, son of NASCAR champion Kyle Busch, recently claimed his first Golden Driller trophy at the prestigious 2025 Tulsa Shootout. His triumph is drawing comparisons to icons like Jeff Gordon and Tiger Woods, sparking discussions about the new norm of starting young in competitive racing.
Brexton Busch dominates the Tulsa Shootout
The Tulsa Shootout, an annual event that attracts some of the brightest young talents in racing, was the stage where Brexton showcased his burgeoning skills. Driving the No. 18B car, he led the 20-car Junior Sprint A-Main field from pole position to a commanding victory. This marked his first Golden Driller trophy, a coveted milestone in the career of any young racer.
Brexton’s performance stood out not just for the victory but for his technical precision. NASCAR veteran Kenny Wallace, who followed the race closely, highlighted Brexton’s skill. “His corner entries were textbook-perfect. He didn’t overdrive the car or misjudge his angles, which is rare for someone his age,” Wallace said. Brexton’s ability to maintain consistent precision through all 20 laps distinguished him from competitors like Owen Larson, son of Kyle Larson, and Wyatt Miller, grandson of Dale Earnhardt, who finished behind him.
A new generation of racers
Brexton Busch is part of a growing wave of young drivers emerging in the sport. Like Jeff Gordon, who won 35 quarter midget races by the age of six, and Tiger Woods, who was a child prodigy in golf, Brexton’s success is a testament to starting early. Wallace drew comparisons to these legends, remarking, “Society doesn’t give young talents the time to wait anymore. It’s become about starting early and mastering the craft quickly.”
At just nine, Brexton has already amassed 32 wins across 13 tracks and multiple championships, including the Mountain Creek Beginner Box crown and the Tuesday Night Millbridge Championship. These accomplishments highlight his potential to become one of NASCAR’s future stars.
Striking a balance: Racing and childhood
Despite the pressures of competitive racing, Brexton’s parents, Kyle and Samantha Busch, have been commended for ensuring he maintains a balanced upbringing. Kenny Wallace praised their approach, saying, “They’re doing an incredible job raising him at the racetrack. Brexton gets to experience racing at a professional level while still being a kid—hanging out with friends and enjoying life outside of the car.”
Wallace also noted Brexton’s personality, contrasting it with his father’s often intense demeanor. “What impressed me most was Brexton’s post-race interview,” Wallace said. “He’s a happy, pleasant young man. He drives like his dad but carries himself with the cheerful energy of his mom, Samantha.” This balance between focus and joy is emerging as one of Brexton’s defining traits both on and off the track.
The road ahead: Brexton Busch’s future in NASCAR
Brexton’s victory at the Tulsa Shootout is just the latest milestone in his rapidly growing career. It signals not only his skill but also his readiness to take on tougher challenges in the years to come. As Wallace succinctly put it, “If Brexton keeps progressing like this, Kyle Busch might be looking at an early retirement.”
However, Brexton is not the only young racer making waves. Other rising stars like Keelan Harvick, who recently won the 2024 Legend Car Asphalt National Championship, and Owen Larson are also reshaping the landscape of youth racing. This new generation is proving that success in motorsports may increasingly depend on starting early and mastering the fundamentals at a young age.
As the motorsports world debates the trend of starting young in competitive racing, Brexton Busch is undeniably a standout example of the potential it holds. With his technical precision, natural talent, and strong family support, he is well on his way to carving out a legacy of his own. Whether this trend becomes the standard or sparks further discussion, one thing is certain: Brexton Busch’s journey is just beginning, and the racing world is watching.
