Kyle Busch's Son Suffers Heartbreaking Loss In Return To Racing

Brexton Busch, the 11-year-old son of NASCAR legend Kyle Busch, returned to the spotlight this week to compete in the CookOut Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The past few weeks have been incredibly heartbreaking for the Busch family and the NASCAR community. On May 21, Kyle Busch died from severe pneumonia that progressed into sepsis. The two-time Cup Series champion was just 41 years old.

Busch's son honored his legacy by driving the No. 18 vehicle in the CookOut Summer Shootout.

Unfortunately for Brexton, he had to settle for a sixth-place finish at Charlotte Motor Speedway. It's worth noting that he started in 13th place.

Fans were understandably upset that Landon Thrasher passed Brexton on the final lap of this Young Lions division race.

"I know Landon passed him clean, but I feel so bad for Brexton losing that race," one fan commented.

"Brex getting second there is going to light a fire even more so in him. It's good for him," another fan said.

Will we see Brexton Busch compete in NASCAR?

Although he's only 11 years old, Brexton has received quite the commitment from Richard Childress Racing.

It was previously announced that RCR is reserving Kyle Busch's No. 18 vehicle exclusively for his son.

"Richard Childress Racing has elected to suspend use of the No. 8 and will run the No. 33 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and beyond. Kyle Busch was instrumental in the design of RCR's stylized No. 8 and it has become synonymous with Kyle and an important symbol for his fans and the NASCAR industry. No one can carry it forward to the level that he did. The No. 8 is reserved and ready for Brexton Busch when he is ready to go NASCAR racing."

Time will tell if Brexton keeps the Busch family legacy going in the Cup Series.

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This story was originally published June 10, 2026 at 11:52 AM.