Kyle Busch attributes much of his early success in auto racing to the unwavering support of his father, Tom Busch. Although Tom was not a full-time racer and worked long hours as a tool distributor, he was passionate about cars, building a 1932 Ford coupe and introducing his sons, Kyle and Kurt, to racing long before NASCAR spotlighted their talents. This early foundation was critical in shaping Kyle Busch’s NASCAR racing journey and his eventual rise to prominence.
In a candid discussion on GOLF’s Subpar with Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz, the two-time Cup Series champion shared stories highlighting the sacrifices his father made to help him and his brother start racing. Kyle recalled how his father had to sell one of his treasured cars to finance their early careers.
I was just a fan of the sport, a lot, just growing up with my dad. My dad was a car guy. He built old ’32 Fords and things, and had a few old cars that he had, that he collected and stuff. And he had to sell one of his in order to be able to pay for my brother’s start and my start in racing. So, it was unfortunate to see him have to get rid of one of the cool ones that he built,
said the No. 8 Chevrolet driver.
Kyle Busch’s Early Racing Influences and Favorite Drivers
While Tom Busch laid the groundwork at home, Kyle was captivated by the NASCAR legends he watched on television. Although he admired established champions such as Dale Earnhardt, Mark Martin, and Dale Jarrett, it was a then-new face in the sport, Jeff Gordon, who caught his attention. Gordon’s vibrant DuPont rainbow car in the mid-1990s became a beacon for the young Kyle Busch.
Kyle fondly remembered the moment he chose Gordon as his favorite driver, reflecting on the impact it had during his formative years as a racing fan.
It was 1994, 1995, and he was in the bright colored DuPont rainbow car, and so you know I was like, I’m going to cheer for that guy. He’s new. I’ll stick with the young kid. Me being nine years old at the time, and then of course, though, I always enjoyed watching you know Dale Earnhardt, Mark Martin, Dale Jarrett, all those guys that were winning races at that time.
Tracing the Start of Kyle Busch’s Own Racing Career
Kyle Busch does not hesitate to acknowledge that his father was instrumental in turning a passion into a profession, even though his mother had hopes for a different path, encouraging him to become an orthodontist. Tom Busch balanced a typical workweek delivering tools, but on weekends, he dedicated himself to traveling with Kyle to local dirt tracks, often towing their race trailer and relying on a close-knit group of friends who understood racing.
Kyle’s entry behind the wheel came unusually early. At age 13, younger than the legal driving age for racing in many categories, he began competing in Legends cars, reportedly adjusting his age to meet entry requirements. His hometown of Las Vegas provided a vibrant backdrop, with the iconic Bullring track serving as the launchpad for his fledgling career.
His advancement was rapid: from Legends cars, he progressed to modifieds, then late models, and within just three years, he earned a ride in the NASCAR Truck Series. This trajectory marked the beginning of a swift ascent into the highest levels of professional stock car racing.
The Lasting Impact of a Father’s Dedication on Kyle Busch’s Career
Tom Busch’s sacrifices and dedication laid the foundation for Kyle’s rise from a young fan inspired by Jeff Gordon to a reputable driver in NASCAR’s top series. Kyle’s story exemplifies how family influence and personal commitment intertwine to fuel the pursuit of competitive sports at the highest level. As Kyle Busch continues racing for Richard Childress Racing (RCR) in a Chevrolet, the legacy of his early days and his father’s support remain integral to understanding his journey.