Breaking into NASCAR is no easy feat, especially for young drivers without a recognizable last name or ties to motorsport royalty. The journey to the top often feels skewed in favor of those with connections to the sport’s elite.
Veteran NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace, known for his blunt honesty, recently addressed these challenges in a video. While praising the impressive performances at the Tulsa Shootout, Wallace didn’t shy away from highlighting the harsh realities faced by aspiring drivers trying to make it big.
Wallace’s Reality Check: Winning is Essential
The Tulsa Shootout at Oklahoma’s SageNet Center showcased future NASCAR stars, including Brexton Busch and Owen Larson, who delivered standout performances. Brexton, the nine-year-old son of Kyle Busch, won the Junior Sprints division and placed fifth in the Restricted A-Class division. His on-track talent was evident, but it was his cheerful and poised post-race demeanor that stole the spotlight.
Wallace used the occasion to shed light on the uphill battle young drivers face. He pointed to the necessity of being exceptional to get noticed, saying, “If you want your kid to show up, it’s sad to say, but they’ve got to show up upfront.” Drawing from personal experience, Wallace recalled how he was told during his NASCAR career, “Give me a reason to put you on TV.” His message to young racers was clear: talent alone isn’t enough; results matter.
Acknowledging the remarkable efforts at Tulsa, Wallace highlighted standout moments, including Owen Larson’s last-to-first victory and Brexton’s win from sixth position.
Brexton Busch’s Composure Steals the Show
Brexton’s post-race interview particularly impressed Wallace. “The Busch brothers have always been intense in interviews, but Brexton, thanks to Samantha Busch’s influence, came across as pleasant and happy—a different spirit altogether,” Wallace said.
The Role of Family in Racing Success
For young drivers like Brexton, family plays a pivotal role. Kyle Busch himself had a strong showing at Tulsa, securing wins in the non-wing outlaw and winged A-Class events. Reflecting on his performance, Busch praised his setup, saying, “The Lucas Oil with that alignment motor was ripping the high side.”
Brexton offered insight into his racing strategy, explaining, “I tried to run the top because everyone else was on the bottom, then got back down to make passes.”
Wallace emphasized the vital role parents play in shaping these young talents, praising the dedication of families like the Busches and Larsons.
Kyle Busch has been vocal about his desire to race alongside Brexton in the Truck Series, stating in 2023, “I’d retire from Cup Racing when Brexton is 15 so we can share a Truck ride when he’s 16.”
Meanwhile, Owen Larson, son of Kyle Larson, cheekily reminded his dad of his superior win count at Tulsa after Larson’s A-Class Main Winged Heat Race loss.
Balancing Legacy with Accessibility
While drivers like Brexton and Owen benefit from their parents’ legacy, their performances at Tulsa prove they have the talent to match. However, Wallace’s advice serves as a sobering reminder for others chasing the same dream: you need to deliver exceptional results to make an impact.
As NASCAR’s future shines bright with names like Busch and Larson, a critical question remains: how can the sport become more inclusive for all aspiring talents, not just those with a head start?
