MILLBRIDGE, N.C.—From the time Brexton Busch was old enough to sit in a race car, Kyle Busch had visions of racing against his son. 

Although many assumed that day would come once Brexton was old enough to drive in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, the timeline was accelerated due to the nine-year-old’s rapid rise through the dirt ranks.

On Wednesday night at Millbridge Speedway, where both drivers won track championships in their respective divisions last season, the father-and-son duo faced off in their first head-to-head meeting in a 600 Winged Micro race facetiously dubbed the “Busch Clash.”

“It’s obviously been coming together over the last five years of Brexton racing,” Kyle Busch said. “And finally here’s the day. He’s old enough to run the winged class here at Millbridge—and it’s my favorite class—so here we go.”

Thank you to @KyleBusch for what you did for our small family owned facility last night.

Thank you to all the fans in attendance, if it was your first time attending we hope to see you again!

Thank you to our Millbridge family for everything!

🎥@dirtvision pic.twitter.com/VfQDAkEqri

— Millbridge Speedway (@MillbridgeRacin) March 27, 2025

Three days earlier, the elder Busch dropped a tease regarding “News at 18:51 on Monday.” The actual Battle of the Busch’s came together quite quickly. Crew chief “Big Al” Scroggins learned about the plans to race on Sunday. 

Brexton Busch, who drives the No. 18, claims he was never asked about competing against the two-time NASCAR Cup champion, who competes in his familiar No. 51.

“He just said we were going to race together,” Brexton Busch said. “I was like, ‘Oh boy. Let’s see what happens.'”

Following the announcement, the Buschs chided each other on social media. The banter continued in the paddock of the one-fifth mile oval as the elder Busch referred to his nine-year-old son as “Tiny Kyle.”

“I’m always competitive,” Kyle Busch said. “The biggest thing that I haven’t given much thought to is my competition and being on the race track. Focusing in on that and not worrying about where he’s at and what he’s doing.

“Hopefully, I’m not following a green car. The green car is following the blue car…”

“No, the other way around,” interjected Brexton Busch. “The green car…”

“Get up there,” replied Kyle Busch. “Let’s see it. Put your money where your mouth is.”

Brexton Busch remained within striking distance of his father throughout Wednesday's race. (Noah Watts Photo)

Before Brexton jumped behind the wheel of the No.18B ServePro Micro for hot laps, he reviewed race film and then played with other kids in the pits. 

Scroggins, his crew chief, who has worked with top dirt talent that includes Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell, has been impressed by the youngster’s drive and determination.

“For his age, it’s pretty unreal,” Scroggins said. “From when he first started—this is going to be his fourth race in an A-class car—he’s learned a lot.

“There are things he’s doing that drivers who are twice, three times his age aren’t doing. He’s learning very quick.”

Kyle Busch believes that challenging his son is key to his development. The tough love approach taken by Kyle's own father, Tom Busch, produced NASCAR Cup champions in Kyle (twice) and older brother Kurt.

Still, Kyle Busch was genuinely thrilled at the prospect of racing his son.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Busch said. “It’s been a lot in the making. It’s an exciting day for us to race against each other. 

“This is sort of the pathway for Brexton to make it to the top. He’s obviously one of the younger drivers in this class. So it gives him a chance to learn and get up to speed racing these guys.”

Brexton finished third in the first heat. Kyle came from fourth to second in Heat 3. Kyle and Brexton started fifth and seventh, respectively in the A-Main.

The Buschs' staunchest supporter, Samantha, Kyle’s wife and Brexton’s mother, was late arriving after her flight was delayed from Washington D.C. But nothing was going to stop her from cheering on her boys. 

She gave Brexton a hug before he sped off to line up for the feature. Samantha Busch returned with her daughter, Lennix, for a proper send-off for Kyle.

“This is a goal that they’ve always had,” Samantha Busch said. “I thought this would be really cool, but there are also a lot of nerves. I’m personally worried that Brexton…you’re racing your dad—a two-time Cup champion. That’s a lot of pressure for a nine-year-old.

“But he is so excited. And one thing that boy doesn’t lack is confidence. So literally, he’s like, ‘I’m going out there and I’m going to beat him. I run more dirt than my dad.’ 

“So he’s totally confident. I think it’s going to be exciting. I just don’t want them to wreck each other.”

Attrition and cautions helped Kyle Busch to a third-place finish in the 600 Winged Micro main event won by “Hot Rod” Joey Robinson.

Both Busch’s lost one spot at the start. When Payton Johnson ran high in the corner, however, Kyle and Brexton moved up to fifth and sixth. Each gained another position when then-race leader Tyler Lupton tried to split two lapped cars with seven laps to go and got sandwiched instead.

Restarting fourth with six laps left, Kyle briefly took second before being re-passed by eventual runner-up Nate Meendering. Kyle had to settle for third, with Brexton coming home in the sixth spot.

“It was really fun racing against my dad,” Brexton Busch said. “It was a good experience for my first time here in A Class.”

Still, Brexton was catching his father’s No. 51 Lucas Oil micro prior to the late caution—leaving the youngster wondering what could have been.

“I thought I could catch him. I got my left front (tire) to his right rear. I thought I was going to have him. I guess not," said Brexton, already looking ahead to their next meeting. "I probably would have nerfed him if I got the chance."