The 2026 Tulsa Shootout launched with high energy inside the SageNet Center, as NASCAR star Kyle Busch and his ten-year-old son, Brexton, delivered a memorable family rivalry in the A-Class heats. This year’s event drew special attention when Brexton offered a pointed suggestion to his father after their respective runs, highlighting the intense yet playful competition between the two.
Family Dynamics Shine at the Tulsa Shootout
On December 30, Kyle Busch tackled his A-Class heat from a tough starting spot, navigating past several competitors. However, as he climbed out of his car, young Brexton was quick to dispense advice when asked about his dad’s performance.
“Run higher,” Brexton said via FloRacing.
This lighthearted exchange set the tone for the week and illustrated the unique family dynamic at the world’s largest micro-sprint event. Thousands of laps unfolded over six days, with multiple divisions—including Stock Non-Wing, Winged Outlaw, A-Class, and more—keeping drivers and fans on edge. Kyle and Brexton Busch entered different divisions initially, with Kyle moving up from seventh to fourth and Brexton improving his position to third in their first Stock Non-Wing heats.
Competitive Heat Races for Both Kyle and Brexton Busch
As the second round of races got underway, both Busches continued pushing forward in separate contests. In one JST Motorsports A-Class FuelTech heat, Kyle advanced from tenth to third in a determined eight-lap charge. Brexton, piloting the No. 18B car, capitalized on his starting position in FuelTech Race 88, eventually claiming victory in his race.
The excitement peaked on New Year’s Eve, when Kyle and Brexton were finally slotted into the same Winged Outlaw Race 182 heat for the first time that week. Ahead of the race, Kyle recognized how unlikely such a matchup was, considering the number of heats and drivers involved.
“With the amount of heat races that are here, 45 of them or whatever it is for A class, I mean how in the world do you draw the same heat races. So, crazy but here we are. He’s got a fast one in front of him with Kaylee (22A – Kaylee Bryson) and obviously he will be starting in front of me. So, hopefully we can make some ground and get some passing points out of our heat.”
Kyle Busch kept a packed agenda throughout the event, participating in Winged A, Winged Outlaw, Non-Wing Outlaw, and Stock Non-Wing races. Brexton, already moving up to compete directly with his father in the Winged A division, continued to tackle additional heats, including the Restricted A-Class, showcasing his versatility and drive at a young age.
Brexton Outpaces Kyle in Their First Direct Matchup
Brexton Busch arrived at the event as a formidable competitor, carrying momentum from a Golden Driller win at the 2025 January Shootout and a Bandits title later that year. His racing skills and confidence in crowded fields became evident during the week at the Tulsa Shootout.
In the pivotal Winged Outlaw Race 182, Brexton started in fifth position while Kyle Busch lined up in seventh. Both drivers quickly advanced two spots, nose-to-tail along the inside row. Brexton edged ahead, skillfully maneuvering through traffic, while Kyle fought to keep pace despite struggling with the ruts. Ultimately, Brexton took the third position, finishing ahead of his father, who crossed the line in fourth place.
Reed Miller claimed victory in the heat, but the father-son outcome took the spotlight. With the event’s point system rewarding overtaking, Brexton exited with 96 points, just above Kyle’s 94. Both are now slated to continue their battle in the intense Qualifiers as they aim for a coveted spot in the Golden Driller main events.
The Road Ahead in the Tulsa Shootout
The Tulsa Shootout’s scoring structure is designed to reward aggressive racing and clean passing. Every participant has a single heat; better finishing positions and passing more competitors yield higher points, while losses cost them. The top 112 drivers in each division move forward to the Qualifiers, and just 16 from each class proceed to the main events, inching closer to the ultimate prize on Saturday night.
This year, the father-son duo of Kyle and Brexton Busch brings an added layer of excitement and storylines for fans. Their friendly rivalry reflects a blend of competitive spirit and family tradition. As the competitions heat up and both look to advance, all eyes remain on the racetrack to see if Brexton can continue outperforming his NASCAR veteran father on the path to the Golden Driller in Tulsa.
