NASCAR stars Kyle Larson and Kyle Busch compete in record-breaking 41st Tulsa Shootout, with Larson charging to a strong P4 finish while Busch shows speed but falls short in multi-class bid
TULSA, Okla. - The 41st Annual Tulsa Shootout concluded on January 3, 2026, at the SageNet Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
This prestigious micro sprint racing event awarded six coveted Golden Driller trophies after an intense week of competition.
The event set new records with over 2,000 entries—specifically 2,009 official draw-ins from 2,078 received—featuring drivers from across the nation and beyond.
This massive turnout underscored the Tulsa Shootout's status as the "Mecca of Micros," one of the largest motorsports events globally.
Among the standout participants were NASCAR Cup Series stars Kyle Larson and Kyle Busch, who brought their off-season dirt racing prowess to the indoor clay oval.
Kyle Larson's Performance
Kyle Larson, the reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion, arrived with significant momentum. Fresh off a victory in the High Limit Racing International event in Perth, Australia, he focused solely on the Winged Outlaw division this year—unlike previous years where he competed in multiple classes.
Larson demonstrated strong pace throughout the week, advancing solidly through heats and qualifiers.
In the highly anticipated 30-lap Winged Outlaw A-Main on January 3, he started from the sixth position.
He quickly moved forward, engaging in a thrilling battle with Daison Pursley for the lead.
The two traded positions intensely, with slight contact in one corner disrupting Larson's rhythm and allowing Pursley to pull away.
Despite the setback, Larson fought back to secure a respectable fourth-place finish, narrowly missing the podium in a race won by Pursley—his first career Golden Driller.
Kyle Busch's Efforts
Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch took a multi-class approach, entering four divisions: Winged Outlaw, Non-Wing Outlaw, Winged A-Class, and Stock Non-Wing.
He also shared the track with his son, Brexton, adding a family dynamic to the competition.
Busch showed flashes of speed, posting quick laps and winning at least one heat race during the preliminary nights.
However, he struggled to convert that potential into transfers to the A-Mains, ultimately failing to advance to the championship features in any of his entered classes.
While disappointing for the veteran, his participation highlighted the growing crossover appeal between NASCAR and dirt micro sprint racing.
Young Talents: The Next Generation
A compelling storyline was the performances of the NASCAR stars' children, who competed in the highly competitive youth divisions.
- Brexton Busch (age 10) tackled multiple classes, including Restricted A-Class and Winged A-Class. In the Restricted A-Main, he started toward the rear and charged forward to finish a solid 10th, gaining valuable experience against a deep field.
- Owen Larson (age 11), son of Kyle Larson, impressed with consistent runs through heats and qualifiers. He earned a heat race win in Winged A-Class and delivered a strong performance in the Restricted A-Main, finishing fourth after starting third.
- Owen's younger sister, Audrey Larson, made her mark in the Junior Sprints division. She secured a heat race victory and advanced through B-Mains into the Last Chance Qualifier, showcasing promising talent in her Tulsa Shootout debut.
These young drivers exemplified the family legacy in motorsports, racing under the bright lights while their famous fathers competed in the premier classes.
Looking Ahead: Chili Bowl Nationals
With the Tulsa Shootout in the books, attention now turns to the upcoming Chili Bowl Nationals, set for the following week at the same SageNet Center venue.
Kyle Larson headlines a strong contingent of NASCAR-related entrants, joined by Christopher Bell, Ty Gibbs, and O'Reilly Auto Parts Series drivers Sheldon Creed and Corey Day.
Kyle Busch has not yet confirmed his participation following his Chili Bowl debut last season.
The 2026 Tulsa Shootout delivered high-stakes racing, record-breaking participation, and memorable moments, bridging the worlds of professional stock car racing and grassroots dirt competition.
As these drivers transition to the Chili Bowl, fans can expect more intense battles on the temporary indoor dirt track.