Kyle Busch's son Brexton, 11, wins first race since dad's death

Samantha Busch shared her pride and heartbreak as Brexton raced from the back of the field to claim an emotional victory in his father’s car

NASCAR driver Kyle Busch, his son Brexton Busch and wife Samantha Busch pose for photos on the Las Vegas Raiders' sideline before a game between the Raiders and the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on November 24, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada© Getty Images
Nicola Conville
Nicola ConvilleFeatures Writer
4 hours ago
LEAVE A COMMENT
Share this:

Kyle Busch's 11-year-old son has celebrated a racing milestone, claiming his first victory since the NASCAR champion’s sudden death.

Brexton Busch competed across several divisions at Port City Raceway in Oklahoma on Friday, July 17 2026, eventually taking the chequered flag in the restricted micro sprint class.

His mother, Samantha Busch, documented the emotional evening on Instagram, describing the result as Brexton’s "first win since Kyle's passing".

kyle busch son brexton walking© Getty Images
Brexton has been following in his late father's footsteps

"There was a lot of emotions to say the very least. Beyond proud of him, not just for winning but all that he’s navigating at a young age," she wrote.

Samantha added that she was "beyond shattered Kyle isn’t here to be a part of this", but said she was also "beyond grateful for all the support and amazing people we have around us".

The victory was made even more meaningful by the fact that Brexton competed in his late father’s green No. 18 car.

Samantha Busch (wife) holds daughter Lennix Busch and son Brexton Busch on the grid during the remembrance ceremony for Kyle Busch© Getty Images
Samantha holds daughter Lennix Busch and son Brexton on the grid during the remembrance ceremony for Kyle

Sharing footage of the vehicle speeding around the dirt track, Samantha wrote: "6 to 1 in outlaw heat driving Dad’s car."

She also posted a photograph of micro sprint driver Frank Flud speaking with Brexton and expressed her appreciation for the racing community rallying around her young son.

Samantha said she was "grateful for all the drivers who have coached, encouraged and supported Brexton thru all this".

Kyle Busch, driver of the #7 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, celebrates with daughter Lennix, son Brexton, and wife Samantha in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fr8 Racing 208 at Echo Park Speedway on February 21, 2026 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)© Getty Images
The family in February 2026

The victory comes almost two months after Kyle died on May 21 at the age of 41, following complications from bacterial pneumonia and sepsis.

A two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, Kyle was one of the most successful drivers in the sport’s history and shared his passion for racing with Brexton from an early age.

Kyle and Brexton during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Rackley Roofing 200 © Getty Images
Kyle and Brexton during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Rackley Roofing 200

Less than two weeks after his father’s death, his young son returned to competition at Charlotte Motor Speedway, continuing the racing journey that both his parents had encouraged.

Brexton also appeared alongside his father in Kyle’s final Instagram post, which was shared in celebration of the driver’s 11th birthday just days before Kyle’s death.

Kyle is survived by Samantha, Brexton and the couple’s four-year-old daughter, Lennix.

More US
See more
Conversation

For more information on our conversation section, please read our Community Guidelines. Comments featured and views shared are not endorsed by HELLO!.

Read More