The JR Late Model division is designed for younger drivers exclusively
After spending a large majority of the first decade of his life racing in cars his size, 10-year-old Brexton Busch will turn his first laps behind the wheel of a full-sized Stock Car over the course of the 2026 season.
The son of two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch will compete in the JR Late Model division at Madera Speedway in California, one of the most notable development pathways to NASCAR for younger drivers.
To compete in the class, drivers must be no younger than 10-years-old and no older than 16-years-old. The class utilizes a GM 602 crate engine that produces approximately 350 horsepower before being restricted for junior competition. The cars are also placed on a 8” Hoosier 970 tire to teach race craft.
The younger Busch has spent his early years racing on dirt, alongside his father, in Micro Sprints but Outlaw Karts before that. He also made his pavement debut in a Legends car at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in May where he won his fifth start in the Charger class.
Busch won the INEX Bandolero Bandits National Championship with 23 victories and 28 podiums in 2025.
In the Madera JR Late Model division, Busch will drive a No. 18 owned by Charlie Wilson.
“Brexton has shown that he knows how to win in everything he’s driven,” said Wilson in a press release. “We’re excited to welcome him into our Junior Late Model program at Madera Speedway. This series is widely regarded as the most competitive Junior Late Model division in the United States. Over the years, many drivers I’ve raced against in this series have gone on to become Pro Late Model champions, ARCA champions, and NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champions. It’s a proven path, and we’re looking forward to seeing what Brexton can do.”
All told, Busch has won 150 races, including a Golden Driller in the prestigious Tulsa Shootout in the JR Sprint division as part of the races serving as a Chili Bowl Midget Nationals prelude.
“I’m really excited to get started with Wilson Motorsports and race at Madera Speedway,” Busch said. “This is a big step for me, and I know the competition is going to be tough every time we hit the track. I’m ready to learn, work hard, and make the most of this opportunity. A huge thank you to my partners SERVPRO, Lucas Oil, Starkist, Morgan & Morgan Sport Clips, Pristine Auctions OBX Chevrolet, and everyone who makes this possible.”
2026 Madera Speedway Jr. Late Model Schedule:
March 14
April 11
May 16
June 13
July 11
August 22
September 19
October 10
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Category: General Sports
