Kyle Busch races with son Brexton during a memorable family competition at the POWRi Wing Outlaw Micro feature on December 20, 2025, held at the Southern Illinois Center. The event brought together generations of racing talent, drawing attention to this rare father-and-son pairing in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds.
Generations of Racing Highlights at DuQuoin State Fairgrounds
At the Jr. Knepper 55 indoor event, fans saw Kyle Busch and his son Brexton compete head-to-head, creating unforgettable moments for the Busch family and spectators alike. Kyle Busch piloted the No. 51 car and finished in 13th place, while his 10-year-old son Brexton, driving the No. 18B winged Outlaw Micro, secured an impressive sixth place finish. Kameron Chamness emerged as the winner of the 25-lap feature after taking the lead in the final laps, followed by Kole Kirkman in second, with Jordan Clary taking third. The competitive spirit of the evening underscored the family legacy and community aspect of grassroots racing events.
Kyle’s wife, Samantha Busch, captured the moment and proudly shared it online, giving fans a glimpse of the family’s shared passion for motorsports.
“Kyle and brexton racing side by side here in Duquoin.”
— Samantha Busch, wife of Kyle Busch
The event was more than a race—it reflected a unique progression in Brexton’s young career and emphasized the deep ties between father and son, the competitive drive that defines the Busch family, and the ongoing tradition of racing excellence.
Brexton Busch’s Rapid Advancement in Junior Racing
Brexton Busch, despite his youth, already has an impressive record. Starting his racing journey at just four and a half years old, Brexton has driven in over 400 events, racking up more than 150 victories. In 2025 alone, he claimed the coveted Golden Driller trophy at Tulsa’s January Shootout and earned the Bandits division title, showcasing his rapid progression from winged karts to micro sprints. This advancement mirrors the early careers of his father Kyle Busch and uncle Kurt Busch, following a developmental path that has yielded NASCAR prominence in the family.
For Kyle Busch, competing in dirt events like the Jr. Knepper 55 brings excitement and a change of pace from recent seasons. After ending his 2025 Cup Series campaign without a win for the second consecutive year, Kyle continues to embrace racing off asphalt tracks, seeking challenges in venues like DuQuoin and the Snowball Derby to fuel his competitive edge.
Looking Ahead: Father and Son to Compete Again at Tulsa Shootout
The Busch family will continue this on-track rivalry at the 2026 Tulsa Shootout, where they will participate as a multi-division program. Kyle Busch is preparing to race in several classes, including Winged A, Winged Outlaw, Non-Wing Outlaw, and Stock Non-Wing divisions. Brexton will move up to the Winged A class to face his father again, while also running in Restricted Class A. This marks the fourth occasion the pair will compete head-to-head on a major platform this season, reinforcing both their commitment to the sport and the spotlight on family-driven motorsports traditions.
Events such as the Tulsa Shootout have become gathering points for other notable racing families as well. NASCAR driver Kyle Larson, for instance, participates in the Chili Bowl alongside his children, creating an atmosphere where elite competition and family activities intersect. For the Buschs, these weekends are both demanding and meaningful, offering opportunities to bond and pursue new heights in their racing careers.
A Tradition of Busch Family Competition
Kyle and Brexton Busch’s competition on the track this season follows earlier meetings, including races at North Carolina’s Millbridge Speedway in March and at the Bullring in Las Vegas. As Brexton’s talent continues to grow, the chances of more high-profile showdowns between father and son seem likely, providing fans with a front-row seat to a family legacy in the making. The pair’s ability to race at such a high level not only celebrates their personal achievements but also highlights the evolving landscape of grassroots motorsport, where family, determination, and ambition are front and center.
