“The car is too tight, or the car is too loose.” It’s a common radio call heard from NASCAR drivers each weekend. Often, these calls are fueled by frustration as drivers struggle to push their machines to the limit. Naturally, the crew chiefs bear the brunt of these complaints. Kyle Busch is no exception, frequently voicing his frustrations to his #8 RCR team when the setup isn’t right on race day.
Crew chiefs are often the first in the firing line when things go awry. However, drivers like Busch don’t always fully appreciate the challenges of being a crew chief—until they’re in that position themselves. Busch recently got a firsthand taste of the pressure and complexity of the role while serving as crew chief for his son Brexton’s racing efforts this season.
Kyle Busch Misses the Mark with Brexton’s Setup at Millbridge
The two-time NASCAR champion has been handling crew chief duties for his son Brexton in micro-sprints and go-kart racing. Despite Brexton securing the 2024 Micro Sprint championship at Millbridge Speedway, the outcome of the final race left Kyle less than satisfied. Brexton finished second and was disappointed not to cap off his title win with a victory.
Reflecting on the race during an Instagram interview with PRN, Busch explained how the race unfolded and the challenges he faced. “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 couldn’t catch the leader,” he admitted. “But we finished first, second, and third in points, which is how the top three stood at the end of the season.”
This experience gave Busch a deeper appreciation for the pressures crew chiefs face every week. He credited Brexton for staying composed and handling the situation well despite the car’s limitations. “You’re only nine years old. If you aren’t catching the leader, don’t panic. Stay in the game because you never know what might happen on the final restart,” Busch said he told his son. “He executed perfectly. The car just wasn’t there.”
Brexton Busch’s Path to NASCAR
Under his father’s guidance, Brexton is building an impressive resume in racing. At just nine years old, he has already amassed over 30 wins across various tracks, including Outlaw Karts, Bandoleros, and Restricted Micros. His early success positions him to continue the Busch family legacy in motorsports, with Kyle carefully mapping out a path for his son to eventually reach NASCAR.
At 39, Kyle Busch recognizes his time at the top level of racing is limited, with two or three competitive years left. While he remains coy about retirement plans, he has hinted that Brexton’s debut in the Truck Series could mark the right moment for him to step away from NASCAR.
For now, Kyle is focused on preparing Brexton for each step in his journey. He’s emphasized a mix of dirt and pavement racing to help his son develop a versatile skill set. “I like what we’re doing right now. He gets in his Bandolero car and knows what he needs to do on pavement, then switches to his dirt car and does the same on dirt,” Busch explained to Jeff Gluck. “By 16, he’ll be ready for the Trucks.”
Once Brexton transitions to stock cars, he is expected to compete in the CARS Tour, racing late models, before moving up to the Truck Series. Kyle’s long-time friend Jeff Dickerson, who now owns Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM), could play a pivotal role in Brexton’s rookie season at the national level. With a clear plan in place, Kyle is determined to help his son succeed while setting the stage for his eventual retirement from NASCAR.
