In a recent gathering at Millbridge Speedway, NASCAR star Kyle Larson expressed his admiration for Brexton Busch, son of celebrated driver Kyle Busch, who is quickly making a name for himself with a dirt-first racing approach. The 9-year-old Brexton is rising through the ranks, demonstrating remarkable skill that echoes the famed Kyle Busch racing legacy, showing early signs of a promising future on both dirt and pavement tracks.
Brexton’s racing journey mirrors a path carefully mapped out by Kyle Busch, starting from grassroots dirt tracks and Little League pavement, progressing through Legends cars and Late Models, with an ultimate goal of competing in the NASCAR Cup Series. This approach closely aligns with Larson’s own pathway to success, underscoring the growing influence of dirt track experience in shaping elite NASCAR talents.
Kyle Larson Highlights the Significance of Brexton’s Dirt Racing Focus
Kyle Larson openly respected the young Busch’s journey, noting its striking similarity to his own development as a driver. In an interview with Marty Smith, Larson emphasized his long-standing appreciation for Kyle Busch and his admiration for Brexton’s dedication to multiple racing disciplines, particularly the emphasis on dirt racing.
“I respect Kyle Busch so much, like I always have. And then now, like, seeing his son Brexton, you know, racing all these different types of cars and really putting a big emphasis on the dirt racing—and the background that I exactly grew up doing—I think it’s really cool.”
Larson’s expertise in dirt racing is extensive, with his success in micro sprints and major dirt events such as the Chili Bowl and Knoxville nationals paving the way to his 2021 NASCAR Cup Series championship. Watching Brexton adopt a similar dirt-to-pavement trajectory excites Larson, as it represents an important evolution within the sport’s developmental ladder.
This dirt-first philosophy echoes the broader legacy of drivers like Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart, who each forged successful NASCAR careers after beginnings in dirt racing. Gordon’s career started with quarter midgets and sprint cars on Midwestern dirt tracks, while Stewart competed across various motorsport formats, including World of Outlaws sprint cars and IndyCar, establishing a versatile foundation before moving to NASCAR.
Contrasting Racing Routes: Busch Brothers’ Asphalt Roots Versus Larson’s Dirt Beginnings
While Kyle Busch envisions Brexton following the footsteps of Kyle Larson, Larson acknowledged that the Busch brothers themselves built their reputations largely through asphalt racing. Acknowledging the distinct paths within the sport, Larson noted:
“Because, yeah, Kyle Busch—like, he grew up the pavement route. And you’d think that him and his brother—you know, two champions of our sport—like, they had, they know the path. Like, they lived it; they’ve done it. They know the path of the Cup Series.”
Kyle Busch made his mark in asphalt racing through successes in Legends cars and Late Models before capturing championships in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2009 and the Camping World Truck Series in 2005. His brother, Kurt Busch, followed a similarly successful route, entering the Cup Series in 2001 after climbing through the Truck Series ranks, eventually becoming the 2004 Cup Series champion and earning Hall of Fame induction in 2026 after a long career.
Brexton Busch’s Emerging Legacy: Combining Asphalt and Dirt Traditions
Rather than simply replicating his father’s path, Brexton is blending his family’s asphalt heritage with Kyle Larson’s dirt-first training to forge a unique route in racing. Larson shared his excitement at witnessing this new generation embrace a different approach within established racing legacies:
“And then now, Kyle has a son, a young racer of his own, and that path doesn’t look anything similar to what he did. And it looks a lot more similar to what I did. It’s really cool.”
This fusion of racing techniques represents more than a continuation of family tradition; it is an evolution of the sport’s developmental blueprint. Larson’s pride extends beyond Brexton, recognizing a wider trend among young competitors who are increasingly incorporating dirt track experience into their skill sets.
“And that’s something that I respect a lot and admire. And it’s not—I’m not just picking out Brexton—but yes, I have noticed, you know, a lot of other young kids and even competitors that I’m racing with now, you know, trying to get more dirt racing in their, you know, bucket of skills and stuff. So yeah, that’s cool. It definitely makes me proud.”
As Larson watches the next generation, including Brexton Busch, embrace dirt racing’s challenges and opportunities, he views it as a full-circle moment that both honors past champions and anticipates future stars.
Kyle Busch Returns to Short Tracks to Reignite Competitive Fire
While Brexton advances through the ranks, Kyle Busch himself is preparing to reassert his presence in short-track racing. The 40-year-old veteran will compete at Oxford Plains Speedway in Maine for the Celebration of America 300 on July 1-2, drawn by a $20,000 prize and a desire to settle unfinished business.
This track, a 3/8-mile asphalt oval, holds deep significance for Busch. He claimed victory at the Oxford 250 in 2011 and won the inaugural Celebration of America 300 last July before a late-race crash thwarted a strong run. His recent top-10 finish at the Memorial Day clash 200 in May reaffirmed his enduring talent on short tracks.
Despite a challenging recent Cup Series campaign that has yet to see him secure a win since 2023, Busch is determined to maintain his competitive edge. He expressed enthusiasm for his upcoming return:
“I’ve got some unfinished business up there in Maine. I’m looking forward to coming back up to Oxford Plains Speedway for the Celebration of America 300 on July 1-2. Be sure to be there.”
With 232 wins across NASCAR’s three national series, Busch’s return to a familiar short-track setting underscores his resilience and passion for racing, aiming to remind fans and competitors alike why his aggressive style remains legendary.
Shaping the Future of NASCAR Through a Growing Dirt Track Influence
The emergence of Brexton Busch following a dirt-first path highlights a broader shift within NASCAR’s development systems, blending time-honored asphalt traditions with the demanding rigor of dirt racing. This hybrid development model foreshadows a new era where drivers cultivate versatile skills adaptable to multiple racing surfaces before reaching the sport’s highest levels.
Kyle Larson’s recognition of this evolving approach, alongside Brexton’s visible success at a young age, signals an optimistic future for NASCAR as new talents refine their craft through dirt-driven challenges. The Busch family’s continued influence, combined with Larson’s dirt racing pedigree, is helping mold a dynamic racing culture that embraces adaptability, resilience, and legacy.
