Kyle Busch, the accomplished two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, is making final preparations for the Tulsa Shootout, logging vital practice laps in advance of the major event in Tulsa. Despite his extensive stock car background, the unique sprint car divisions and the Tulsa track itself still present fresh challenges for Busch as he pursues his first Golden Driller, with the Kyle Busch Tulsa Shootout practice sessions proving crucial to his efforts.
Kyle Busch Fine-Tunes His Skills During Practice Laps
In the days leading up to the Tulsa Shootout, Busch has been actively participating in multiple practice sessions to acclimate to the different types of sprint cars he will pilot, including both winged and non-winged models. While he brings considerable racing expertise, these cars require adjustment, and the venue itself is relatively new territory for Busch, who is aiming to optimize both his race setup and personal driving skills. With a packed schedule ahead, he commenced the day with his first practice session, leaving three more divisions to tackle over the course of the day. This intensive approach is designed to extract every bit of learning from each turn and lap.
“First practice session down, three more to go today.🔥@Lucas_Oil l @FloRacing pic.twitter.com/oMRMeqZs2p”
– Kyle Busch, Two-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Last year, Busch kicked off the Shootout with a victory in his heat race within the Winged Outlaw division. However, previous attempts have also included setbacks, including several flips and challenging moments that have tested his resolve. Nonetheless, there remain significant reasons for optimism about his progression and ability to contend.
Father and Son Compete for Tulsa Glory
The dynamic between Busch and his son Brexton adds extra intrigue, as Brexton claimed his inaugural Golden Driller trophy at last year’s Tulsa Shootout, setting the stage for the senior Busch to try and match his son’s success. Both are entered in the Winged A division this year, fueling speculation about a potential high-stakes showdown between the two. With the elder Busch eager to close the Driller gap in the family trophy case, the father-son duo’s rivalry continues to intensify as their skills improve year after year.
Multiple NASCAR Drivers Set to Join the Action
Busch will not be the only familiar face from NASCAR at the Tulsa event. Notably, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Ty Gibbs, and Sheldon Creed will all participate, further elevating the competition and connecting the worlds of asphalt and dirt racing. Their presence, alongside Busch, ensures a strongly competitive field and offers NASCAR fans another reason to follow the drama of the Tulsa Shootout.
With other notable personalities like Cam Coleman, Marcus Freeman, and Sam Leavitt grabbing headlines in their respective sports for transfer news and playoff predictions, the motorsports spotlight in Tulsa remains focused on whether top drivers from different backgrounds can adapt and thrive on the challenging dirt oval.
Kyle Busch’s Ongoing Search for a Major Dirt Triumph
Although Busch is a recurring midweek champion at Millbridge Speedway, a significant national-level dirt racing victory has eluded him to date. This year, his Tulsa Shootout campaign includes four separate car divisions, ensuring a relentless racing schedule if he continues to advance through each round. Such a demanding lineup underscores his determination to break through and secure a major dirt racing accolade.
For several years now, the Busch family’s winter journey to Tulsa has become a tradition, with the competition between the father and son intensifying as their respective racing resumes grow. The anticipation is building to see if one of the Busch family members—or another NASCAR star such as Larson, Bell, Gibbs, or Creed—can claim the prized Golden Driller this time around.
After a challenging period in his racing pursuits, the Tulsa Shootout may also serve as an important turning point for Busch, potentially marking the beginning of a renewed quest for victory in 2026 and spotlighting the evolving prominence of NASCAR drivers in marquee dirt events.
First practice session down, three more to go today.🔥@Lucas_Oil l @FloRacing pic.twitter.com/oMRMeqZs2p
— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) December 29, 2025
