Kyle Busch recently revealed that Jeff Gordon was the driver who inspired him during his childhood, as he nears the later stages of his own NASCAR career. The two-time Cup Series champion shared these reflections while discussing the influences that shaped his passion for racing.
Busch, who also held the WWE 24/7 Championship belt once, admitted that Gordon stood out to him as a young fan in the mid-1990s. Despite only a 13-year age difference, Busch identified Gordon as his favorite driver during the period when Gordon was emerging as a standout talent in the sport. At the time, Busch was just nine years old and watching the racing scene closely.
The veteran driver also acknowledged other prominent racers from the 1990s era, including Dale Earnhardt, Mark Martin, and Dale Jarrett, whose successes captured the attention of many fans and aspiring drivers alike.
Early Fascination Fueled by Gordon’s Bright DuPont Rainbow Car
Recalling his decision to support Gordon specifically, Busch said the vibrant colors of Gordon’s DuPont rainbow car captured his imagination in 1994 and 1995. He described picking a younger driver to root for, explaining that Gordon’s presence provided a compelling figure among the sport’s established champions.
Me being nine years old at the time, and then of course, though, I always enjoyed watching you know Dale Earnhardt, Mark Martin, Dale Jarrett, all those guys that were winning races at that time.
—Kyle Busch
Aside from his admiration for these racing legends, Busch highlighted the personal sacrifices his family made to support his and his brother Kurt’s racing ambitions. His father, a car enthusiast who built and collected vintage vehicles, had to make difficult financial choices to fund their early careers.
He had to sell one of his in order to be able to pay for my brother’s start and my start in racing. So, it was unfortunate to see him have to get rid of one of the cool ones that he built.
—Kyle Busch
Legacy and Enduring Impact on Future Drivers
Kyle Busch’s acknowledgment of Jeff Gordon’s influence highlights the continuity of NASCAR’s legacy, where veteran drivers inspire younger generations. Busch’s own career has touched many aspiring racers, just as he once looked up to his heroes from the 1990s. His reflections also underscore the critical role family support plays behind the scenes in building successful racing careers.
As Busch approaches the conclusion of his own journey, his tribute to Gordon and other legends reminds fans of the sport’s rich history and the personal stories that drive its competitive spirit forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where will Kyle Busch go in 2026?
A. Kyle Busch and Richard Childress Racing announced that Busch will remain a driver for the No. 8 Chevrolet until the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series. This news was shared on Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina.
Q. Will Kyle Busch retire?
A. Kyle Busch has renewed his contract with Richard Childress Racing, which will now go until 2026, and isn’t thinking about retiring yet.
