“The car is too tight, or the car is too loose”—a familiar refrain from NASCAR drivers, often directed at their crew chiefs during heated race weekends. Drivers, frustrated by their inability to push their machines to the limit, frequently vent their frustrations over the radio. Kyle Busch is no exception. Known for his fiery on-track demeanor, he’s not shy about voicing his displeasure to his #8 RCR team when things don’t go as planned. But recently, Busch got a firsthand taste of the pressures crew chiefs face while guiding his son, Brexton, in his budding racing career.
Kyle Busch Faces Crew Chief Challenges at Millbridge Speedway
The two-time NASCAR champion has been serving as a hands-on crew chief for his 9-year-old son Brexton in micro-sprint and go-kart events. Despite Brexton clinching the 2024 Micro Sprint Championship at Millbridge Speedway, the final race didn’t go exactly as planned. Brexton finished second, and while it was enough to secure the championship, he was disappointed not to cap off his title with a victory.
Kyle Busch, recounting the experience on PRN’s Instagram, said, “As the race went on, we got up to second. We were chasing the leader down. But halfway through the race, the car got too loose. I didn’t adjust enough for the track. So, we were too loose; we couldn’t catch the leader.” He added, “But we had literally finished first, second, and third. And that’s how they were one, two, three, in points at the end of the season.”
This experience gave Busch a glimpse into the high-pressure world of crew chiefs, who must constantly make quick, critical adjustments to keep their cars competitive.
Preparing Brexton for Racing Challenges
Despite the setup struggles, Busch emphasized the importance of keeping Brexton focused and composed. He shared, “You are only 9 years old. If you aren’t catching that guy, don’t freak out; keep yourself in the ball game. You don’t know what might happen at the final restart.” He praised Brexton’s effort, saying, “He did a great job, and his execution was perfect. Just the car wasn’t.”
Brexton is proving to be a rising star under his father’s guidance, racking up over 30 wins across various disciplines, including Outlaw Karts, Bandoleros, and Restricted Micros. He is building a solid foundation to carry the Busch family racing legacy forward, with his sights set on NASCAR.
A Road Map for Brexton’s NASCAR Journey
At 39 years old, Kyle Busch acknowledges his own racing career is winding down. While he hasn’t explicitly announced retirement plans, he has hinted at an ideal timeline tied to Brexton’s ascent. Busch envisions stepping away from racing once Brexton reaches the Truck Series, potentially within the next six to seven years.
Outlining the progression plan, Busch explained, “I like what we’re doing right now. He gets in his Bandolero car, and he knows what he’s got to do on the pavement; he gets into his dirt car, and he knows what he’s got to do on dirt. So I really like that. We’ll probably stick with some of that mixture. And then by 16, he’ll be ready for some Trucks.”
Brexton’s development will likely include competing in the CARS Tour with late models before transitioning to the Truck Series. Busch’s long-time friend Jeff Dickerson, now co-owner of Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM), is expected to play a pivotal role in Brexton’s rookie run at the national level.
Legacy in the Making
With Kyle Busch mentoring him, Brexton has the guidance, resources, and talent to forge a promising path in racing. As Rowdy balances his own career while shaping his son’s future, it’s clear the Busch racing dynasty is poised to continue thriving on the NASCAR stage.
