Two-time NASCAR champion Kyle Busch shared insights on how he handles his dual roles as a father and coach to his son, Brexton Busch, ahead of the 2026 Daytona 500. Busch described the approach he uses to support and guide his son’s burgeoning racing career while maintaining their father-son relationship.
Brexton Busch, born on May 18, 2015—the same year Kyle won his first NASCAR title—has taken to racing much like his father. The 10-year-old competes in midget cars and legend cars and recently announced his plan to debut in Late Model racing in 2026.
Kyle Busch Explains His “Sandwich Method” of Coaching
During an interview with Dirty Mo Media at Daytona International Speedway on the day of qualifying, Kyle Busch revealed the key to balancing fatherhood and coaching. When asked how he manages this dynamic, Busch summarized his strategy as the “sandwich method.”
“Praise, suggestion, praise,” asked the host
“Yeah, he gets praised. We don’t air them like, yeah, he wins a race, you pat him on the back, whatever, you know. When he set the fastest time, when he won the pole, it was all praises, right? Like, it was all love, it was hugs, high gives, everything there. So, he gets that stuff as well too. It just doesn’t really show up a whole lot of times.” – Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver
Kyle described an example from recent practice where Brexton’s car was damaged, but he returned to the track to perform consistently with solid lap times despite setbacks:
“But you know, last night in practice at the end of the race, he got tore up, so we had to reset his car and he got back out there in practice last night and ran consistent 85s, like, good run. We’re learning, we’re getting better. And then unfortunately today, he regressed, he qualified 12th or something like that and then got tore up again.” – Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver
Brexton and Kyle Busch’s Competitive Racing Encounters
Brexton has not only followed his father into the racing world but has also competed directly against him on several occasions. Their first shared race took place in 2025 at Millbridge Speedway. Since then, they have faced off multiple times, including the 2026 Tulsa Shootout, where young Brexton took the lead in the heat race over his father.
Kyle Busch’s Milestone: Qualifying on Pole for the 2026 Daytona 500
After more than two decades of chasing a Daytona 500 win, Kyle Busch earned his first-ever pole position for this prestigious event in 2026. Despite multiple strong starting positions over the years, including fourth place in 2006, 2009, 2013, and 2016, Busch had never starting from pole at the Daytona 500 before.
“Certainly, here on Wednesday night, being able to qualify on my first pole for the Daytona 500, that’s pretty special. I’ve had one other speedway pole down here in Daytona for the summer race. This feels good.” – Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver
Kyle’s closest previous Daytona 500 finish was in 2019 when he started 31st but finished as runner-up. That year, William Byron secured the pole position, and Denny Hamlin won the race.
Significance of Kyle Busch’s Coaching and Racing Journey
Kyle Busch’s method of blending encouragement with constructive feedback, dubbed the “sandwich method,” exemplifies how he nurtures Brexton’s potential while allowing room for growth and learning. Their on-track rivalry showcases the rising talent of Brexton Busch, adding excitement to the future of NASCAR as the young driver matures. Kyle’s milestone pole position at Daytona also highlights his ongoing commitment to achieving career goals even as he supports the next generation within his own family.
As Brexton prepares to step into Late Model racing in 2026, the Busch family’s story of racing, mentorship, and mutual respect is likely to remain a compelling narrative in the NASCAR community going forward.
How does Kyle Busch handle being a dad AND a coach to Brexton? pic.twitter.com/0zCCB1rwJ0
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) February 13, 2026
