Brexton Busch, a name that’s quickly becoming synonymous with pint-sized dominance, stormed into the spotlight at the Tulsa Expo Square like a miniature thunderstorm, snagging his first Golden Driller in the Flying A-Motorsports Junior Sprints Saturday. It was a race that had it all: restarts, resilience, and a Burromax prize that left his mother less than thrilled.
Starting from pole, the nine-year-old Busch—yes, the offspring of two-time NASCAR Cup champion Kyle Busch—handled every caution and restart with the composure of a veteran twice his size. Jax Wittmer gave chase but found himself resigned to second, while Gage Pio turned a seventh-place start into a well-earned spot on the podium. The top five was rounded out by Mackcen Roush and Ashlyn Wittmer, who probably wished Brexton had stayed home that night.
But the star of the show wasn’t just Brexton—it was his dad, Kyle Busch, pacing around like a caffeinated cat. “This is more stressful than the Daytona 500,” Kyle confessed, which is saying something for a man who routinely pilots 200 mph beasts in NASCAR’s crown jewel. Watching his son navigate the chaos of junior sprints, Kyle admitted to being more nervous than ever. And when Brexton crossed the finish line, you could practically hear the collective sigh of relief from the entire Busch clan.
As for Brexton, he handled his victory with all the charm you’d expect from a kid handed a golden trophy and a mini motorbike. “Oh, my mom is going to be mad. She hates it when I’m on stuff like that,” he said, clearly reveling in the mix of triumph and mild domestic rebellion.
This win wasn’t just a lucky break for Brexton; it was a redemption arc straight out of a Hollywood script. Last year, he left Tulsa empty-handed and heartbroken. This year, he came back with fire in his belly and a Golden Driller in his grasp, showing that the younger Busch might just have the family knack for turning setbacks into glory.
Meanwhile, Owen Larson, son of 2021 NASCAR Cup champion Kyle Larson, made his Tulsa debut with a solid sixth-place finish. Not bad for his first time in the arena, but let’s be honest—this night belonged to the Busch family.
With 107 drivers in the Junior Sprints field, Brexton’s win wasn’t just a victory; it was a statement. A statement that, at nine years old, he’s already carving out a legacy that could one day rival his dad’s. Whether it’s on the dirt in Tulsa or the asphalt of Daytona, one thing is clear: the Busch racing dynasty is in good hands. And a slightly concerned mom’s hands will soon be prying her son off his shiny new Burromax.
Greg is the author of "The Nuts and Bolts of NASCAR: The Definitive Viewers' Guide to Big-Time Stock Car Auto Racing" and has been published in major publications across the country including the Los Angeles Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul, published in 2010, and the Christmas edition in 2016. He wrote as the NASCAR, Formula 1, Auto Reviews and National Veterans Affairs Examiner for Examiner.com and has appeared on Fox News. He holds a BS degree in communications, a Masters degree in psychology and is currently a PhD candidate majoring in psychology. He is currently the weekend Motorsports Editor for Autoweek.
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