Not just in modern NASCAR, but throughout the sport’s history, Kyle Busch is one of the most accomplished drivers of all time. His resume is packed with achievements that most drivers only dream about — many unmatched.
With a career spanning more than two decades, Busch has gone through several phases and redefined NASCAR in multiple ways.
He’s evolved from a hot-tempered, high-potential young driver into a veteran presence capable of dominating any race.
But comparing his recent stats to his early years might surprise even his biggest fans. And in a full-circle moment, his son, Brexton Busch, recently gave him unexpected motivation to keep going.
Kyle Busch’s Early Years in NASCAR
Kyle made his NASCAR debut in the Craftsman Truck Series with Roush Racing at just 16. That same year, a dispute with sponsor Marlboro led NASCAR to implement a new rule barring drivers under 18 from competing in the national series.
Two years later, he debuted in the Xfinity Series with Hendrick Motorsports at age 18, winning four races in his second year.
In 2005, Kyle made his Cup Series debut, also with Hendrick. He flashed talent over his first three seasons but secured only four wins. He also developed a polarizing reputation.
Reflecting on that time, Kyle said:
“I was just a young kid, 18 years old, and maybe hadn’t really paid my dues of being with lesser teams and working my way into the bigger, better teams. I just started right out of the gate with Hendrick Motorsports, and so was obviously brought into the fold of the Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon era, in which you better win, especially if you’re in a Hendrick car.”
In 2008, Kyle left Hendrick and joined Joe Gibbs Racing, an organization originally aiming to sign Dale Earnhardt Jr., then NASCAR’s most popular driver.
Over 14 years with JGR, Kyle was a force. He won 56 Cup races and two championships in 2015 and 2019.
Then in 2023, he moved to Richard Childress Racing and took over the No. 8 Chevy.
Brexton Busch’s Message to Dad Kyle
Though Kyle remains one of the toughest competitors on the grid, his win total has slowed during his time at RCR.
Since joining the team, he’s captured just three wins, each coming in his first 15 starts. He’s now gone 67 races without a victory.
During a recent conversation, his 9-year-old son, Brexton—already making waves on the junior racing circuit—asked him a tough question. He asked:
“Man, how come you’re not winning as much?”
Brexton even pointed out how Kyle Larson’s son, Owen, often celebrates with his dad in victory lane.
Instead of taking it hard, Kyle used the moment as motivation.
“That doesn’t sit well with me, right? Like, that relights that fire for me to be able to go out there and run well, to be able to perform and win races, so he can be there and he can celebrate and he can have fun in my success as well, not just his success.”
Samantha Busch added some perspective, noting that Brexton doesn’t remember her husband’s peak years.
“Brexton just doesn’t remember the days of Kyle winning nonstop. And he doesn’t remember the fact that when Kyle won in 2019, he got to go along in the car. He doesn’t remember that stuff.”