Kyle Busch returns to the Tulsa Expo Raceway for the 2026 Tulsa Shootout, eager to claim his first Golden Driller trophy following his family’s recent success at the event. This marks his fourth attempt at the high-profile micro sprint race, and his focus keyword, “Kyle Busch Tulsa Shootout 2026,” underscores his ambitions for this season.
Kyle Busch’s Fourth Bid for Micro Sprint Glory
Preparing for a busy week in Oklahoma, Busch will participate in several classes at the SageNet Center, representing Richard Childress Racing. Last January, fans watched as his son, Brexton Busch, raced alongside him and achieved a standout victory, securing the Junior Sprint A-Main title. Brexton led every lap of his division’s final, bringing the family their first Golden Driller trophy.
For the upcoming 2026 event, Kyle Busch has entered multiple Tulsa Shootout divisions, aiming to improve on his prior performances. His schedule includes the Sawyer Chassis Winged Outlaw, Non-Wing Outlaw, A-Class Winged, and Stock Non-Wing competitions. Posting with his No. 51K Lucas Oil midget car on social media, Busch projected confidence about his latest campaign. As he stated,
“Ready for my turn to add to the family Golden Driller count.”
The increased family involvement brings added intensity to Busch’s campaign, as he plans another attempt at capturing the coveted trophy that has eluded him so far.
Building on Past Experience and High Stakes
Busch’s third appearance at the Tulsa Shootout included victories in multiple heat races, yet he could not convert them into an A-Main triumph. Additionally, his recent NASCAR Cup Series season proved challenging. Competing in the No. 8 Chevrolet, Busch failed to win a race in 2025, a drought that stretched from mid-2023. He still placed respectably with three top-5s, ten top-10s, and 88 laps led, finishing 17th in the season’s standings.
The 2026 Tulsa Shootout is set to begin on Monday, December 29, and continues through January 3 at Tulsa Expo Raceway. An impressive 2,000 racers across several micro sprint classes will compete, setting new records for event participation. Practice sessions commence at 9:00 am CT each day, proceeding into five days of intense racing.
Emphasizing Racecraft: Lessons Passed Down
Off the track, Busch is also instilling race wisdom in his son. In preparation for Brexton’s participation—this time in A-Class restricted wing and non-winged divisions—Kyle Busch shared his guiding philosophy for competition at the event. He emphasized in a video post:
“Rule #1 for Tulsa Shootout. Always pass at least one car.”
This focus on continual progress, shared with his ten-year-old, highlights Kyle Busch’s approach to racing, creating a legacy both in performance and mentorship. Brexton Busch’s success in the Junior division and his ongoing participation underscore the family’s growing presence at the Tulsa Shootout.
Chili Bowl Nationals: Participation Remains Uncertain
As the Tulsa Shootout approaches, questions remain about Kyle Busch’s entry into the 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals, the prestigious dirt midget event also held at the Tulsa Expo Raceway. The 40th annual running, scheduled from January 13 to 18, will feature major names in the sport. While drivers such as Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell are expected to return, Busch has yet to confirm his participation. Busch made his Chili Bowl debut last season, advancing through the early rounds but falling short of an A-Main spot in 2025.
Both events on the Oklahoma dirt track calendar present prominent opportunities for Kyle Busch and fellow NASCAR Cup drivers to test their skills in a different format and potentially add new accolades to their resumes.
What the Upcoming Season Means for Busch and Racing Fans
Kyle Busch’s continued determination to win at the Tulsa Shootout keeps fans watching closely, as family achievements and his own competitive drive intersect. The expanding roster of divisions and drivers at the Tulsa Expo Raceway cements the event’s standing in dirt track racing. Motorsport enthusiasts will be monitoring Busch, Brexton, and rivals like Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell, awaiting dramatic performances and the possibility of a new Golden Driller joining the Busch family’s collection. With the event’s record participation and the outstanding legacy of champions, the 2026 Tulsa Shootout promises high drama and memorable moments for participants and fans alike.
Ready for my turn to add to the family Golden Driller count.🫡
Watch every lap on @FloRacing!📺 pic.twitter.com/EvBSTaHkhQ
— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) December 28, 2025
Rule #1 for Tulsa Shootout. Always pass at least one car.📝@brextonbusch l @Lucas_Oil pic.twitter.com/8hBekbwsPI
— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) December 28, 2025
