The next generation of NASCAR talent from top racing families is progressing through various paths. Unlike Kevin Harvick, who has sent his son Keelan to Europe to compete in premier karting events such as the World Series Karting in Italy, <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/tag/kyle-busch/”>Kyle Busch prefers to keep his son Brexton racing within the United States. Busch believes there is sufficient training and racing opportunities stateside to nurture his son’s development.
At the Sonoma event, Busch explained that Brexton does not need to travel overseas to gain experience, as many programs in the country can provide the necessary preparation. This belief is rooted in the idea that training closer to home allows for better guidance and involvement from him as a mentor and father.
Busch stated,
There are enough training courses here where I can be helpful as well. We can go do some of that. There’s plenty of other race series that you could get into and get involved in in order to get those experiences.
—Kyle Busch, Two-Time Cup Series Champion
Brexton’s Current Racing Experience and Long-Term Goals
Currently, 10-year-old Brexton races primarily in dirt competitions under the Kyle Busch Motorsports umbrella. He pilots the No. 18B car in various classes, including 600cc Winged Micro Sprints at Millbridge Speedway and participates in events like the Charlotte Summer Shootout, which features Bandits and Legends divisions. He has achieved several top finishes in these series, demonstrating promising talent at an early age.
The ultimate ambition for Brexton is to reach NASCAR’s premier Cup Series. Despite his young age, Kyle Busch aims to provide him with well-rounded experience on both dirt and paved tracks, allowing Brexton to decide his professional path when he matures. This balanced approach reflects Busch’s focus on steady development over rushing toward any specific discipline prematurely.
Contrasting Development Paths: Keelan Harvick’s European Karting and Open-Wheel Dreams
Meanwhile, Kevin Harvick’s son, Keelan, follows a different path by competing in Europe, aiming for open-wheel racing. Keelan has expressed interest in potentially pursuing a career in Formula One, aspiring to race alongside drivers like Max Verstappen. His exposure to European karting competitions has influenced this ambition, contrasting with Brexton’s steady progression in American dirt and stock car racing.
Kevin Harvick continues to advocate for NASCAR as the primary destination for young drivers, emphasizing the need to retain talented prospects within the sport. Harvick has discussed with NASCAR executive Jim France strategies to keep emerging drivers from drifting toward Formula One. Their goal is to create opportunities in sports car racing and develop “gentlemen racers” who might eventually transition to NASCAR, preserving the sport’s talent pool.
Harvick shared in a 2022 interview,
They [kids] all want to drive the Ferrari or the Red Bull. This is something that I’ve talked with Jim France and with people in our garage [about] is how do we make sure that all those kids whose dreams don’t come true, how do we create them to be gentlemen racers and put them in sports car racing and attract the great ones over to NASCAR.
—Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Driver
Future Uncertainties in Racing Career Directions for Brexton and Keelan
The differing approaches of Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick in nurturing their sons’ racing careers highlight the diverse paths open to young drivers today. Brexton stays within the American racing development system aiming for the Cup Series, while Keelan’s overseas karting adventures fuel his aspirations toward Formula One. The eventual decisions of both young racers remain uncertain, as their interests and skills continue to evolve.
Kyle Busch’s decision to keep Brexton in the United States for his foundational years emphasizes steady, guided growth in NASCAR’s environment. This contrasts with Harvick’s support for expanding horizons through international competition and open-wheel exposure. Both approaches reflect broader conversations in the motorsports community about balancing talent retention and broad skill development.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where will Kyle Busch go in 2026?
A. Pressing the escape key will close the window. CONCORD, N.C. — Kyle Busch confirmed that he will remain the driver of the No. 8 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing. This agreement will last until the end of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, as announced Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Q. Why is Kyle Busch so famous?
A. People often see him as one of the best drivers of his time and in NASCAR history. He excelled in the sport’s three main series. Also, Busch held the WWE 24/7 Championship for a short time.
Q. Where is Kyle Busch going in 2026?
A. Kyle Busch has signed a contract with Richard Childress Racing to drive until the 2026 season.
Busch will keep racing the No. 8 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series. This announcement was made on Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Q. Why is Kyle Busch famous?
A. Busch holds the highest number of total wins in NASCAR national series history, with 231 victories. This includes 63 in the NASCAR Cup Series, 102 in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, and 66 in the NASCAR Truck Series. For the past ten seasons, from 2022 to 2013, he has won in each of these three NASCAR national series every year.