Brexton Busch Releases Statement After Father Kyle Wins Most Popular Driver

Brezton Busch expressed appreciation for the NASCAR fans who took time to vote for his late father, Kyle, as the sport’s Most Popular Driver in 2026. Brexton, 11, has continued his young racing career in the wake of Kyle’s sudden passing on May 21.On Tuesday night in Miami, Kyle Busch posthumously won NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver Award. Chase Elliott, who won the award the previous eight seasons, removed himself from the voting out of respect for Busch. Many other drivers posted on social media urging fans to make “Rowdy” the sport’s most popular. Kyle Busch, who died at age 41, was one of the sport’s most prolific drivers, winning a record 234 races across NASCAR’s top three series. Busch won 63 races at the Cup level along with two championships in 2015 and 2019. Brexton Busch’s Post About Kyle Winning Most Popular DriverBrexton Busch recalled his dad talking about someday winning the Most Popular Driver Award. Although the two-time Cup Series champion had a complicated relationships with the fans throughout his career, he had a loyal following that he deemed “Rowdy Nation.”As devastating as it is that Kyle never got to see himself win the award, the fans delivered in his honor. Brexton said his father would be thrilled to have finally won Most Popular Driver and thanked the fans who voted for him.“My dad talked about winning Most Popular Driver a lot. He came close a few times, and I know he would’ve been so excited to finally win it. I always saw how much his fans meant to him and he taught me how important it is to take time for the people who support you. Thank you to everyone who voted for my dad. It means a lot to me, my mom, and Lennix.,” Brexton wrote.My dad talked about winning Most Popular Driver a lot. He came close a few times, and I know he would’ve been so excited to finally win it. I always saw how much his fans meant to him and he taught me how important it is to take time for the people who support you. Thank you to… pic.twitter.com/d6kkjjeSog— Brexton Busch (@brextonbusch) November 11, 2026Brexton Busch Paid Homage to His Dad With Surprise BurnoutJust over one month ago, the Charlotte Motor Speedway was the site of the Kyle Busch Celebration of Life. Fans from around the country flocked to the 1.5-mile track to pay their respects to one of NASCAR’s all-time greats. At the end of the 1-hour public memorial, Brexton had a surprise in store. The 11-year-old got behind the wheel of the No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, once driven by his dad. Brexton drove out onto the fronstretch and waved to the fans before performing a burnout.The young Busch got out of the car, took a checkered flag from his 4-year-old sister, Lennix, and took a bow on top of the car, the signature celebration his father would give after every NASCAR win. Brexton Busch pilots Kyle Busch's No. 8 Lucas Oil Cup Car ending the celebration of life night with a burnout celebration 🎥 #NASCAR / FOX Sports pic.twitter.com/cmpUKsSpNU— Speedway Digest (@speedwaydigest) October 10, 2026Kyle Busch’s death was an unthinkable tragedy that saddened and shocked the NASCAR world. As the Busch family races on, it could only be a matter of time before Brexton leaves his own mark on the sport.