The 2026 Kyle Busch Tulsa Shootout kicked off in dramatic fashion at the SageNet Center, as Brexton Busch managed to upstage his father, NASCAR star Kyle Busch, in their first direct showdown of the week. With competitive spirits running high and thousands of laps ahead, the Busch father-son rivalry brought both levity and a flash of intensity to the world’s largest micro-sprint car gathering.
High-Energy Start to a Week of Racing Action
Excitement surged early during the Tulsa Shootout, staged annually in Tulsa, as notable drivers including Kyle Busch and his ten-year-old son Brexton took to the track. Known as the Mecca of Micros, this event draws competitors worldwide across six days filled with grueling heat races in divisions such as Winged Outlaw, Non-Wing Outlaw, A-Class, Stock Non-Wing, Restricted, and Jr. Sprints. The Shootout began on December 30, with Stock Non-Wing racers opening a daunting schedule of 209 heats.
Kyle and Brexton competed in separate heats at first, with Kyle making progress from seventh to fourth place, and Brexton grabbing third in his own heat. Both continued to push through their respective A-Class FuelTech races, where Kyle showcased skill in the No. 51B car, climbing from tenth to third over eight laps, while Brexton dominated his race in the No. 18B and took home a win from a fourth-place start.
Father and Son Prepare for Their Faceoff
The excitement continued to build as both Busches prepared to compete side-by-side for the first time of the week in the Winged Outlaw Race 182, a highlight event scheduled on New Year’s Eve. Before the race, Kyle Busch discussed the unusual odds of drawing the same heat as his son, noting the unpredictability of the draw system and the thrill of competing in the same group.
“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
Kyle’s schedule throughout the week is packed, as he is set to take part in four categories, while Brexton steps up to the fast-paced Winged A division to compete directly against his dad, all while racing in the Restricted A-Class as well.
Youthful Confidence on Display
In a candid moment following one of the initial heats, ten-year-old Brexton did not shy away from analyzing his dad’s driving style. When asked for advice on what Kyle could have done better, Brexton kept his response straightforward.
“Run higher,” Brexton said via FloRacing.
—Brexton Busch
That spirit of friendly competition set the stage for Brexton’s performances throughout the event, highlighting his growing confidence as both a racer and a rival within his family.
Brexton Busch Claims Early Bragging Rights in Direct Showdown
Brexton’s momentum at Tulsa is backed by an impressive track record: in 2025, he earned his first coveted Golden Driller at the January Shootout and followed that achievement with a Bandits division title in the autumn. Entering the 2026 Shootout, he had already proved his ability to excel under pressure and navigate tightly packed race fields.
Their much-anticipated direct competition unfolded in Winged Outlaw Race 182, with Brexton rolling off in fifth and Kyle starting in seventh position. Both lined up on the inside, consistently pushing forward in the early laps. Brexton maneuvered skillfully through traffic, maintaining a comfortable gap, as Kyle attempted to gain traction and rhythm amidst a crowded field. At the checkered flag, Brexton finished third, staying ahead of Kyle, who crossed the line in fourth.
Heat Results and Future Prospects
Reed Miller secured the win in the heat, while the point system for the Shootout—rewarding overtaking and penalizing lost positions—saw Brexton Busch collect 96 points to his father’s 94. Their results keep both drivers in the hunt to advance deeper into the week’s events, with coveted qualifier spots and a potential run at the Golden Driller on the line.
The format means every driver participates in one heat per round, and positions, along with passing maneuvers, determine their advancement. The top 112 in each division qualify for the next round, while the top 16 move directly into the feature events, each eyeing the prestigious Saturday night finale.
Father-Son Rivalry Elevates Tulsa Shootout Intensity
The lively contests between Kyle and Brexton Busch have added a new dimension to the 2026 Kyle Busch Tulsa Shootout, capturing attention far beyond the SageNet Center. Their friendly rivalry, competitive banter—including Brexton’s pointed feedback on his father’s heat performance—and impressive results have intensified the spotlight on this week’s races. As the main events approach, fans and competitors alike are eager to see whether young Brexton will continue to outpace his father or if Kyle Busch can assert his legendary status in the high-stakes quest for another Golden Driller.
