At just 10 years old, Brexton Locke Busch is already making waves in grassroots racing with over 150 wins in categories like Outlaw Karts, Bandoleros, and Junior Sprints. However, his father, two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch, is providing an unfiltered perspective, emphasizing that natural talent alone won’t guarantee success in NASCAR. In a recent moment at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Kyle Busch did not shy away from pointing out areas where Brexton needs to improve if he hopes to reach the top level of racing.
Kyle Busch has consistently maintained that being a racer’s parent involves more than encouragement—it requires critical coaching. Watching a replay of Brexton’s laps, Kyle gave detailed, sometimes harsh observations about his son’s driving.
“Turn the wheel fine, a little tight there. Good exit, no problem. Right here, super easy on entry, like not even trying to get in the corner. Drives off the corner just fine, like you’re slow. You are slow,”
Kyle remarked, underscoring the importance of precision and speed in competition.
In 2026, Brexton will face a new challenge as he steps up to the Junior Late Model division at Madera Speedway, driving the No. 18 car for team owner Charlie Wilson. This division features cars powered by GM 602 crate engines, delivering around 350 horsepower alongside 8-inch Hoosier 970 tires—machines designed to build driving skill, control, and confidence essential for future NASCAR competitors. Brexton meets the minimum age requirement as he embarks on this next phase of his racing career.
Despite his young age, Brexton’s achievements include a 2025 Tulsa Shootout win, a Golden Driller trophy, and an INEX Bandolero Bandits National Championship with a remarkable 23 wins and 28 podium finishes. His adaptability across dirt and paved tracks has made him a promising talent. Yet, Kyle Busch’s approach remains uncompromising because he believes honest critique is what will push Brexton toward his potential in NASCAR’s competitive environment.
You’re slow bro. Gotta deliver the hard truth to maximize potential.📈 pic.twitter.com/fCKFc60qFq
— Kyle Busch, Racing Champion
Kyle Busch Voices Doubts Over NASCAR’s Return to Chase Format
Beyond mentoring his son, Kyle Busch is vocal about broader NASCAR developments. With the Chase playoff system making a comeback in 2026, Kyle has openly questioned whether revisiting this championship format is wise. Historically, the Chase system was criticized during the 2006–2010 seasons due to Jimmie Johnson’s dominance, which some felt diminished competitive balance.
Busch expressed skepticism about the decision, pointing out the problems the Chase once caused.
“I thought we got away from it for a reason in the past, so I’m not real sure why we went back to it,”
he said.
“The reason why we sort of went away from it was obviously Jimmy Johnson’s dominance, number one, but I feel like number two is there were times where guys, like myself, who would have one bad race or two that would then knock them out of the championship, basically.”
During Johnson’s era, the Chase ran as a 10-race playoff among top drivers rather than featuring a winner-take-all finale, which some fans and critics found predictable, believing it favored one team’s supremacy. Busch’s concerns suggest he fears the revival of the Chase might lead to a similarly one-sided championship landscape, raising questions about NASCAR’s ability to foster parity and excitement in the coming years.
Brexton Busch’s Career Growth and Challenges Ahead
Brexton Busch’s early success across multiple racing disciplines underscores his potential, but the transition to more powerful cars and competitive series will demand rapid development. His upcoming preparation in the Junior Late Model division provides a critical step toward molding the skills required to compete professionally. Navigating this stage with Kyle Busch’s precise coaching may prove demanding yet invaluable.
Kyle Busch’s direct, sometimes tough advice for Brexton highlights the intense pressure of progressing through NASCAR’s ranks, where raw talent is just the beginning. It is this hard truth approach that Kyle believes is necessary to prepare his son for the challenges ahead, aiming to avoid complacency and push Brexton toward peak performance.
The Larger NASCAR Context and What Lies Ahead
Kyle Busch’s dual role as worried father and outspoken driver reflects the intense demands within NASCAR as both a family sport and a fiercely competitive professional arena. His critique of the championship format alongside personal coaching of his son illustrates the complex dynamics shaping the future of the sport.
As the 2026 season approaches with its return to the Chase playoff style, fans, drivers, and teams will watch closely to see if this move renews interest or repeats past controversies. Meanwhile, young drivers like Brexton Busch prepare to face the sport’s evolving challenges—and Kyle Busch’s candid guidance may be the catalyst that drives the next generation forward.
https://twitter.com/KyleBusch/status/2019583453357044060
