The 2025 Tulsa Shootout is set to light up the racing world as one of the biggest indoor dirt events of the year from December 31 to January 4. Besides seasoned veterans like Christopher Bell, Chase Briscoe, and Kyle Busch, some exciting names like Brexton Busch and Owen Larson will also participate in various age group events. However, a day ahead of the event, Tony Stewart’s wife and NHRA superstar Leah Pruett has some word of caution that little Brexton should definitely pay attention to….

As the 40th Tulsa Shootout approaches where over 1,400 entities will fight for the Golden Driller at the SageNet Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Pruett stirred the dirt race community with her recent social media post. The semi-retired drag racer praised one of the young racing sensations of America, McKenna Kren. The nine-year-old dirt racer from Indiana has made waves at a very young age. Praising her accolades, Pruett wrote on her Instagram story, “It’s Chili Bowl week. Be sure to keep an eye out for the fast and talented @boss_motorsports28k.” The Tulsa Shootout and Chili Bowl both take place at SageNet Center in Tulsa and Kren will be the young star this time around, according to Leah Pruett.

Kren’s credentials make her a force to be reckoned with. She is a Junior Animal Champion (2022), KQMC Champion (2022), and the US24 Track Champion (2023). Her impressive victories at the Hoosier Dirt Cup and the 2024 Florida Micro Sprint Week further solidified her skills. Since 2022, she has won 11 different age groups and regional tournaments. Leah Pruett’s unwavering support also stems from the fact that she is one of the sponsors of Kren.

Kren will be competing against the likes of Brexton Busch and Owen Larson. While Kren’s achievements are a tall list, Brexton’s isn’t too short either and his confidence is always high, just like his old man Kyle Busch. While going to Tulsa, Brexton warned his competitors by announcing his goals. In an Instagram story, He said, “(Going to) Tulsa Shootout to win the Golden Driller. I’m running restricted and junior sprints. Try to win both (events).”

Kren, on the other hand, also seemed confident about her upcoming challenge. Taking to Instagram on December 29, she wrote on Instagram, “Locked and loaded for practice tomorrow! Racing for me starts Wednesday wish me luck!!🍀🏁 I couldn’t be here without all the support from our sponsors and fans!” She also tagged Pruett in the post.

But Brexton might not have much to worry either as his 2024 statistics back up his confidence. Out of 134 features, he achieved 126 top 10 finishes, 107 top 5 finishes, and an incredible 48 wins. His accolades include the KKM Challenge Jr Sprint Championship, Millbridge Restricted Points Championship, and PA Speedweek Jr Sprint Championship, among others. These achievements place him in the upper echelons of junior dirt racing.

Apart from Brexton, his father, Kyle Busch, will also be fighting for the Golden Driller Trophy. He, along with other NASCAR legends, will participate in multiple events in the next four days.

On the other hand, coming fresh off a historic victory in Australia, Kyle Larson is set to participate in the event along with his son Owen Larson.

Kyle Larson broke banks in Australia

NASCAR star Kyle Larson not only joins the Tulsa showdown but also participates in four different events. Larson is coming to Tulsa just after winning the inaugural High Limit Racing in Perth on Sunday. After two setbacks on Friday and Saturday, Larson won the race on dramatic Sunday Night, beating out James McFadden.

On day one, the Hendrick Motorsports racer finished P12 followed by a crash on Day 2. Determined to change the narrative that he cannot win races in Australia, Larson entered the day with a point to prove. The 2021 Cup Series champion showcased his skills and resilience by winning Night 3 at the Perth Motorplex, earning the largest dirt track payout in the country’s history—$100,000 Australian (around USD 62,000). “It’s cool to bring a little cash back to America,” Larson said after his win.

Riding high on confidence and victory in Australia, Larson will look to dominate in Tulsa too. However, other NASCAR stars like Kyle Busch, Christopher Bell, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Brad Sweet, and Chase Briscoe will also be there to challenge. This star-studded line-up sets the stage for some thrilling races in the next few days.