Kyle Busch and his young son, Brexton, made headlines at the 2026 Tulsa Shootout when a bold plan led to a surprising win, drawing attention to the often complex relationship between racing families and the risks involved. The Tulsa Shootout, held on the dirt track, saw Brexton—just 10 years old—competing and triumphing in one of the toughest racing classes, igniting discussions about youth participation and parental decision-making in motorsports.
A Mother’s Concerns Meet Racing Ambition
Brexton Busch, having already made his mark by winning the Golden Driller in 2025, sought a greater challenge this year by entering not only the demanding A-Class Winged but also pushing to compete in the non-wing class, including the Outlaw division. While driven by determination, the dangers of the Tulsa Shootout—known for aggressive racing and frequent incidents—kept his mother, Samantha Busch, firmly focused on his safety. The thought of her 10-year-old lining up against adults more than twice his age was unsettling for Samantha, leading her to restrict Brexton’s participation to safer categories.
Deception on the Dirt: Outmaneuvering Samantha Busch
Energy runs high and tempers flare at the Tulsa Shootout, where seasoned veterans and ambitious novices alike chase glory. This year, Brexton wanted to test himself further by tackling the intimidating A-Class non-wing races. Samantha, prioritizing her son’s well-being, refused his request. However, Kyle Busch, Brexton’s father and a celebrated NASCAR figure, crafted an alternative solution—he proposed that Brexton only participate in practice “hotlaps” in the non-wing class, lowering Samantha’s resistance.
Recalling the moment, Samantha Busch explained on her podcast,
He’s like, so we’re just going to run Outlaw and Non-wing, which is the highest class you can run. They’re like, we’re just going to let him do hot laps in Non-wing. I’m like, I’m not running Outlaw with not the wing,
Samantha Busch, Mom.
Believing her son would be confined to hotlaps, Samantha felt confident Brexton would avoid the most intense competition. Yet, as she waited trackside, she learned from another mother that her son was about to enter a full-fledged Outlaw heat, not just practice.
So I’m out there. We’re standing on the grid. And I’m like, ‘Oh, man, I’m really nervous.’ I’m telling this mom, I’m like, ‘You know, A-class non-wing.’ And she was like, ‘This is an Outlaw.’ I’m like, ‘I’m sorry, what the f***. No, it’s not because we’re only running hot laps.’ And she’s like, ‘No, you’re getting ready to go for an Outlaw heat right now,’
Samantha Busch, Mom.
Turning to her husband for answers, Samantha faced Kyle’s unshaken confidence in Brexton’s readiness and performance.
Well, I mean, his lap times are fine. And he’s not going to do good in this heat.
Kyle Busch, Father.
The calculated risk resulted in an upset: Brexton not only finished the race safely, but crossed the line first, securing a decisive win in the Outlaw class. While the younger Busch and his father had gone behind Samantha’s back, their gamble concluded with triumph, celebration, and relief.
Developing a Competitive Edge Through Family Support
Brexton Busch’s journey through the ranks of dirt track racing highlights the pressures and challenges faced by young competitors and their families. Brexton, despite his age, demonstrated poise and control against competitors with vastly more experience, signaling his potential as a rising star in the sport. The dynamic between Samantha’s protective instincts and Kyle’s confidence in their son’s abilities adds depth to the story, emphasizing the fine balance in fostering talent while ensuring safety. Their experience at the Tulsa Shootout underscores the emotional complexity that families navigate in competitive youth sports.
Kyle Busch’s Lessons on Accountability and Mental Preparation
Kyle Busch, drawing on over two decades of professional racing, has taken a hands-on approach in shaping Brexton’s attitude toward competition. Racing, as Kyle teaches, is as much about psychological resilience and taking responsibility as it is about speed or tactics. Appearing with Samantha on the Burn Boot Camp Podcast, he described how he models a positive approach to both wins and disappointments with his son.
Well, I mean, honestly, it wasn’t too bad. Like, we were six, we were eighth. Like, that was pretty good.
Kyle Busch, Father.
In these moments, Kyle emphasizes that even average race results are achievements, reinforcing the idea that overachievement and solid effort matter more than the final placement. Yet, he also focuses on teaching accountability—discouraging Brexton from blaming the car or others for shortcomings, and instead fostering self-reflection and ownership of mistakes.
Brexton has a, I wouldn’t say he has a problem, but he grew up a lot in his racing thinking he’s perfect. And it’s the car’s fault. And I’m like, ‘No, no, no. We ain’t starting that sh*t. No way.’ So, we had to start setting some boundaries. You need to figure out when you screwed something up, you need to be able to have self- admittance and accountability, right? And take ownership of that,
Kyle Busch, Father.
Brexton’s steady rise and his latest trophy from the Tulsa Shootout demonstrate the effectiveness of these lessons, with his performances lauded by fans and envious observers alike. The young driver’s transition from rookie to multi-series race winner seems powered by a blend of talent, experience-based mentorship from his father, and the lessons in responsibility he continues to absorb.
Lasting Effects for Youth Racing and the Busch Family
The aftermath of the Tulsa Shootout victory by Brexton Busch has echoed far beyond the dirt track, sparking conversations across fandoms and among sports fans, drivers, and even organizational observers in NASCAR and beyond. The event forced the Busch family—especially Samantha, as a mother—to wrestle with the conflicting demands of safety, progression, and personal ambition in racing. For Brexton, the win is not just another trophy, but a milestone setting him apart in the competitive world of youth motorsports.
As the NASCAR community watches, the steps Brexton takes after this dramatic and contentious win are likely to influence aspiring young drivers and their families. With Kyle Busch’s guidance and Samantha’s watchful perspective, Brexton’s journey is set to remain at the center of motorsports conversations, blending caution, ambition, and calculated risk in equal measure.
