Home/NASCAR

via Imago

via Imago

Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch is known for his candid personality both on and off the track. Rowdy never shies away from speaking his mind which makes him one of the most polarizing yet respected figures in sport. However, the 2024 season was forgettable for Busch as he failed to secure a win for the first time in 19 years. He finished 20th in points with just five top 5 performances and an average finish of 18.31. This was his worst season since his rookie run in 2005.

However, after a poor season, Busch stepped out of his NASCAR comfort zone to try his hand at dirt racing. Fans were surprised to see him competing in micro-midgets at the 2025 Tulsa Shootout. Busch’s performance also has been commendable as he won the heats and qualified for the final race. Despite ending without Golden Driller, Busch stirred controversy by rubbishing desires to emulate Kyle Larson’s proficiency.

Kyle Busch reveals his motive behind Tulsa 2024

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Kyle Larson is one of the most versatile drivers in NASCAR’s current grid. From ‘Double’ to dirt tracks and midgets to sprint cars, Larson has been phenomenal. The Hendrick Motorsports driver boasts 37 race wins only in the World of Outlaws sprint car series apart from other leagues. However, recently in Tulsa, Busch rubbished Larson’s dirt track records as an influence, revealing the real motive behind participating in dirt racing.

I would say honestly like for me I’m just coming in here to have fun like no expectations. I’m not here to be a Kyle Larson or an Emerson Axon or anybody that comes out here and lights the world on fire and sets on the pole of 4A mains you know,” Busch told FloRacing. It is understandable why Busch just wants to go out and have fun, after all, his son is racing this time and 9-year-old Brexton Busch has seen more success than Rowdy at Tulsa.

While Kyle Busch downplays his dirt racing ambitions, his pride in his son is evident. Brexton delivered a stunning performance at the Tulsa Shootout, winning the Jr. Sprint Golden Driller and securing his place among the event’s rising stars. Speaking about his son’s performance, Busch told FloRacing, “I would say to be brutally honest though like my nerves when Brexton rolls on the ramp are Sky High.”

Busch continued, “So for me, it’s just you know try to hit the track conditions right with the car set up and try to go forward and that’s kind of the hardest thing anyways, right? I mean a lot of times guys hit the track and the really good ones they will go forward,” Busch told FloRacing. Rowdy talks about how difficult racing micros is for him as he isn’t well-versed in this style of racing. Making his Truck Series debut at 16, Busch has been an asphalt man all his career. With over 230 wins across NASCAR’s three national series, Busch stands atop the NASCAR mountain. However, when it comes to dirt racing, Kyle Larson and Brexton Busch have the advantage over him right now.

Kyle Larson‘s return to the Tulsa Shootout marked his first appearance at the event since he won a Silver Driller in Outlaw Karts in 2010. Despite the long gap, he wasted no time in making his presence felt. Starting from heat races, Larson advanced through the highly competitive field to win two Golden Drillers in a night.

What’s your perspective on:

Can Kyle Busch's dirt racing venture match Kyle Larson's legendary status, or is it just for fun?

Have an interesting take?

The highlight of Larson’s weekend came during the Winged Outlaw division. Battling against top-tier competition, including TJ Smith, Tommy Kunsman, Emerson Axsom, and Daison Pursley, Larson showcased his mastery of dirt racing. In a thrilling finale, he edged out his rivals to claim the Golden Driller. Next in the A-Class division, he started the finale from the 12th position and won the title again. With these wins, Larson became only the seventh driver in the history of the Tulsa Shootout to win two Golden Drillers in a single night. Meanwhile, Larson’s son, Owen Larson, didn’t have the greatest weekend at Tulsa.

While young Larson did win the heat race, clawing his way from the bottom of the pack to seal the win, he lost the Golden Driller to Brexton Busch. Kyle Busch might not be motivated to challenge Larson’s dirt track legacy, but roles could be reversed for their kids. Owen Larson gave credit to Brexton’s strategy when he secured his heat race win, before finishing in sixth in the final as Brexton took home the trophy. This is just the start of their racing journey and Brexton already has one-up on Owen.

Notably, Busch has been the biggest admirer and mentor for Brexton. In 2024, the father-son duo traveled to multiple venues to participate in different tournaments. Busch often reveals how much he gets tensed for his son’s races. “I think this is more stress and more butterflies on me here for him than it is for the Daytona 500. This is just such a huge deal and means so much to our family and what we do,” Busch told FloRacing.

Amid all these celebrations Kyle Busch along with some fellow NASCAR drivers will make a comeback to Tulsa in a few days. They will participate in the iconic Chilli Bowl Nationals in 2025. The prestigious event will be the final outing for NASCAR stars before the season kicks off with the Daytona 500.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

NASCAR drivers to square off at Chilli Bowl

The spotlight now shifts to the 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals, where Kyle Larson and Kyle Busch will both compete. The Chili Bowl Nationals is the crown jewel of dirt midget racing, attracting top talent from various motorsport disciplines. With over 370 competitors on the entry list, the event promises intense action to spread over five nights of preliminary races.

Apart from Larson and Busch, many other NASCAR drivers will mark their presence at the Dirt Midget event in the United States. Fresh off his Tulsa heroics Larson and Christopher Bell will be the favorite to shine once again. Bell is a three-time Chili Bowl champion (2017,2018 and 2019) and Larson boasts back-to-back wins in 2020 and 2021. Meanwhile, Ty Gibbs, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and rising talents like Brent Crews and ARCA drivers Taylor Reimer and Corey Day will try to make a statement.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Despite dumping his dirt racing hope, Kyle Busch recently told FloRacing that he is excited about the upcoming event. “I’m excited about it you know I’m looking forward to it. I’m not expecting to light the world on fire by any means but at least come in here,” Busch said. It’s worth noting that this will be Busch’s maiden Chilli Bowl appearance and he will surely try to make it a spectacle. Who do you think will claim the coveted 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals?

Have something to say?

Let the world know your perspective.

Challenge Your Sports Knowledge!

Solve the puzzle and prove your knowledge of iconic players, terms, and moments.

Play Now!
0
  Debate

Debate

Can Kyle Busch's dirt racing venture match Kyle Larson's legendary status, or is it just for fun?