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Debate

Can grit and determination truly outweigh raw talent in the high-stakes world of racing?

Even the best race car driver hit a lean patch. It is a phase where self-doubt creeps in and cripples the confidence of a driver. This is something Kyle Busch’s son, Brexton, faced recently as he found himself in a sticky spot to win the season championship at Millbridge Speedway. It was the last race of the season, and the 9-year-old race car driver was feeling the nerves ahead of the race.

During such testing time, a mentor is the one who brings clarity and calm to the driver. And in Brexton’s case, he had the helping hand of 2-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch. But this time around, the prep talk wasn’t about his winning exploits; rather, it was about his grind and never-say-die attitude from his 2018 championship race.

Kyle Busch teaches his son Brexton what it takes to be the best race car driver

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Driving the No. 18 winged kart, Brexton won both of his heat races ahead of the main event. However, in order to clinch the season championship, he needed to win the race starting from the 7th spot. And this is where the young driver seemed to have lost faith and belief in himself to be able to pull off this massive task.

Seeing young Brexton out of focus and idea, Kyle Busch was seen giving him precious advice on how he should view racing. Trying to lift his morale, Rowdy took an example of his 2018 championship race, where he finished 4th. Joey Logano from Team Penske was the one who reigned supreme that day and clinched the title. Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex Jr. completed the championship 4 equation.

“No matter what, just keep your head on the whole time. There were times in my championship race back in 2018 when we were getting beat with Logano and Truex. And if you lose your focus and you don’t do your job, then you don’t do your best. All I want is your best—Win, Lose or Draw, you’re my homie.” Kyle Busch said this to Brexton, highlighting his 2019 championship as his comeback story.

The young driver did fight back and made it all the way to the 2nd spot. He might have lost out on the season championship, but he gained a valuable racing lesson. Grit, determination, belief, and focus are essentials for a championship-caliber driver. Talent might help get a driver their first big break, but these qualities are what separate a good driver from the greats.

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Can grit and determination truly outweigh raw talent in the high-stakes world of racing?

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This was just another hint of what Rowdy’s retirement from racing would look like. And with the way Brexton is progressing, he will soon continue his family’s NASCAR legacy on the racetracks. But before he reaches that spot, Busch has designed a road map for him to further his racing talents and prepare him for the big leagues.

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Busch wants his son to hone his skills on the dirt and asphalts

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Currently, Brexton is committed to micro-sprint cars and Bandoleros. But once he reaches the right age, he is expected to join the CARS Tour, and that would eventually lead him to the Truck Series. Rowdy’s good friend Jeff Dickerson at Spire Motorsports just might hand Brexton his rookie opportunity in the National Series.

Shedding a light on his son’s future racing plans, Kyle Busch, speaking in an interview with Jeff Gluck, said, “I want to keep him on the dirt and asphalt realm; I don’t feel like you should go one way or the other. I like what we’re doing right now. He gets in his Bandolero car and he knows what he’s got to do on pavement; he gets into his dirt car and he knows what he’s got to do on dirt. So I really like that. We’ll probably stick with some of that mixture. And then by 16, he’ll be ready for some Trucks.”

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The RCR star has stuck by his comments of retiring from NASCAR racing when Brexton enters the Truck Series. Going by this timeline, Rowdy still has a few good years of racing left in him. And his fans would want to see him back to competing for race wins and championships one last time before he hangs up his boots.

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