In the illustrious tapestry of NASCAR’s 75-year history, one unyielding thread stands outโthe enduring significance of family. Throughout the decades, NASCAR drivers have not only steered family-owned teams but have also passed down their passion for motorsports through successive generations. An epitome of this enduring legacy is the iconic Earnhardt family, with the newest torchbearer, Wyatt Miller, Ralph Earnhardt’s great-grandson, stepping into the spotlight after an awe-inspiring weekend in the Restricted Class at the Tulsa Shootout. However, juxtaposed against this narrative of triumph is a different storyโa tale of challenges faced by another racing family, the Busches.
The narrative unfolds on December 29, 2023, during the Stock Non-Wing event at the Tulsa Shootout, where the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch found himself entangled in a battle for the sixth position against Ace Moore. In the final corner, the two drivers made contact, triggering a dramatic flip of Busch’s car, which suffered significant damage, ultimately leading to his premature retirement from the event.
Junior Busch’s Daring Feat
Fast forward to December 31, and the drama continued with Busch’s eight-year-old son, Brexton Busch. Engaged in a fierce competition for the third spot in the Junior Sprint A-Feature, Brexton’s car also succumbed to the forces of contact, executing a flip eerily reminiscent of his father’s ordeal. Remarkably, Brexton managed to complete the race, crossing the finish line in 12th place, marking a valiant effort amid adversity.
๐ @brextonbusch takes a hard spill! Heโs okay and back on track! @TulsaShootout
๐บ https://t.co/VMYfff1d8p pic.twitter.com/SVL1L4vZ96
โ FloRacing (@FloRacing) January 1, 2024
Wyatt Miller: Rising Star of the Earnhardt Legacy
In stark contrast to the Busch family’s challenges, Wyatt Miller, the nephew of Dale Earnhardt Jr., emerged as a force to be reckoned with, dominating the Restricted Class. Securing a pole position and leading all 20 laps, Miller clinched victory at the Tulsa Shootout, a feat that earned him the prestigious Golden Driller trophy. His stellar performance did not go unnoticed, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. expressing his admiration and congratulations on X, stating, โCongrats to nephew Wyatt Miller! Big win with @_CBIndustries @BrandtRick @BassProShops at the Tulsa Shootout. Great coverage @FloRacing.โ
Congrats to nephew Wyatt Miller! Big win with @_CBIndustries @BrandtRick @BassProShops at the Tulsa Shootout. Great coverage @FloRacing.
โ Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) January 1, 2024
Miller’s triumph at the Tulsa Shootout added another illustrious chapter to the Earnhardt racing legacy, showcasing his prowess on the dirt track. Notably, Miller’s versatility was on full display as he participated in four classes over the weekendโRestricted Wing, Stock Non-Wing, Restricted A-Class Wing, and Outlaw-Wing. The grand slam victory in the Restricted A-Class Wing solidified his status as a rising star in the dirt track scene.
In a post-race interview, Miller expressed his elation at securing the Golden Driller award, acknowledging the stiff competition he faced. โI definitely didnโt think it was that easy because Jett Nunley was outside of me. And behind me, and everywhere, was good people. But we had a really good car. I want to thank CB Industries, Carlin, Mike, everyone that helps me, Brandt Agriculture, and everyone else.โ shared Miller, attributing his success to a collaborative effort.
Reflecting on the start of the feature race and the clash with last year’s Restricted Feature winner, Jett Nunley, Miller dismissed their contact as an unexpected move by Nunley. Despite the incident, Miller’s focus remained unwavering, allowing him to secure the victory and bring the second Golden Driller to CB International’s side after Braxton Flatt’s dominance in the Junior Sprint A Main.
๐จ ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ญ๐๐ ๐ด๐๐๐๐๐ – Wyatt Miller, the son of @EarnhardtKelley and @lwmiller88 and nephew of @DaleJr, just won his first Golden Driller in only his third @TulsaShootout after his victory in the Restricted A Class! pic.twitter.com/Y66EY1yU4f
โ FloRacing (@FloRacing) January 1, 2024
The emergence of Wyatt Miller as a dominant force at the Tulsa Shootout not only cements the Earnhardt family’s legacy but also heralds the arrival of a new generation of talent destined for greatness in the world of racing.
