Kyle Busch, nearing the final phase of his racing career, has shared which drivers inspired him as a child, revealing the impact of his Kyle Busch childhood NASCAR heroes. The two-time Cup Series champion and former WWE 24/7 Champion credits Jeff Gordon as his earliest racing idol during his youth in the mid-1990s, when Busch was just nine years old.
Busch identified Gordon as the figure he admired most, noting the memorable image of Gordon’s brightly-colored DuPont rainbow car as a key reason he chose to support him. In addition to Gordon, Busch fondly remembers legends such as Dale Earnhardt, Mark Martin, and Dale Jarrett, all dominant drivers in the 1990s who influenced his passion for the sport.
Remembering the Support and Sacrifices of Family
Busch also highlighted the crucial role his family played in enabling his and his brother Kurt’s racing careers. Specifically, he acknowledged the financial sacrifices made by his father, a passionate car enthusiast who restored classic ’32 Fords among other vehicles. To help fund his sons’ entry into racing, his father had to part with one of the prized cars he had personally built and cherished.
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.
—Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver
Busch recalled growing up immersed in motorsport culture, describing himself as a devoted fan alongside his father. This early exposure laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to racing and contributed to the development of his competitive spirit.
The Legacy of 1990s NASCAR Stars in Shaping a Career
Busch’s admiration for Jeff Gordon was not only about Gordon’s success but also about choosing a young, emerging driver to support. He said he was drawn to Gordon’s fresh presence in NASCAR, deciding to “stick with the young kid.” At the time, Busch was captivated by the excitement generated by top racers like Dale Earnhardt, Mark Martin, and Dale Jarrett, who frequently contended for victories.
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.
—Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver
What This Means for NASCAR’s Future
Kyle Busch’s reflections emphasize how the sport’s history and the sacrifices of family members can deeply influence the next generation of drivers. His journey illustrates the connection between childhood heroes and the personal challenges behind pursuing a racing career. As Busch moves closer to retirement, his story sheds light on the legacy left by 1990s NASCAR icons and the enduring support of family in shaping champions.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where will Kyle Busch go in 2026?
A. Kyle Busch has agreed to drive the No. 8 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing until the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, he and the team shared. This news was announced on Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina.
Q. Will Kyle Busch retire?
A. Kyle Busch has stated that he is not considering retirement right now and has decided to continue racing with Richard Childress Racing until 2026.