Marylee Krauss

Written by Marylee Krauss

Published: 28 Aug 2024

30-facts-about-harrison-burton
Source: Usanetwork.com

Who is Harrison Burton? Harrison Brian Burton is a rising star in the world of professional stock car racing. Born on October 9, 2000, in Huntersville, North Carolina, he is the son of former NASCAR driver Jeff Burton. Harrison's journey into racing began early, receiving his first go-kart at just two years old. By age four, he was already competing in go-kart races. His career has since skyrocketed, with significant milestones including wins in super late models, the ARCA Menards Series, and his debut in the NASCAR Cup Series. Currently, he drives the No. 21 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Wood Brothers Racing.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Beginnings

Harrison Burton's journey into the world of racing began at an incredibly young age. His early experiences laid the foundation for his future success.

  1. Early Life and Interest in Racing: Harrison Burton developed an interest in racing at a very young age. He received his first go-kart at the age of two, which marked the beginning of his journey into the world of motorsports.

  2. Racing Career: Burton's formal racing career began when he started competing in go-karts at age four. He progressed to quarter midgets and eventually moved to late models, where he won his first late model race in early 2014.

  3. Super Late Model Wins: Burton's first super late model win came in early 2015 at New Smyrna Speedway. This victory was a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport.

Early Achievements

Harrison's early achievements in various racing categories highlighted his potential and set the stage for his future endeavors.

  1. USAC Quarter Midget Championship: During his time in quarter midgets, Burton was a three-time USAC quarter midget champion. This achievement highlights his early success and potential in the racing world.

  2. Late Model Pole Position: At the age of 11, Burton grabbed his first late model pole position at Ace Speedway. This feat demonstrated his skill and strategic thinking on the track.

  3. Pro Late Model Wins: By the age of 12, Burton had won two pro late model races. These victories further solidified his position as a rising star in the racing community.

Transition to Higher Levels

As Harrison's career progressed, he began competing in more prestigious racing series, showcasing his adaptability and skill.

  1. CARS Super Late Model Tour: In 2015, Burton made his debut in the CARS Super Late Model Tour, competing in six of the series' ten races. Despite finishing only two of those races, he managed to secure third place at Southern National Motorsports Park and fourth at Concord Speedway.

  2. Team Changes and Adjustments: Midway through the 2015 season, Burton's team switched car bodies and crew chiefs, hiring former Xfinity Series driver Chris Wimmer. This change helped Burton adapt to new challenges and improve his performance.

  3. NASCAR K&N Pro Series East: In 2016, Burton shifted his focus to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, running three of eight races. He recorded two top ten finishes, showcasing his ability to compete at a higher level.

ARCA Menards Series Success

Harrison's participation in the ARCA Menards Series marked a significant phase in his career, with notable victories and performances.

  1. ARCA Menards Series Debut: Burton made his ARCA Racing Series debut for Ranier Racing with MDM, starting sixth and finishing third after a close call with eventual race winner Chase Briscoe.

  2. ARCA Menards Series Wins: In 2017, Burton won his first ARCA Menards Series race at Toledo Speedway in only his second series start. He later dedicated a superspeedway win at Pocono Raceway in 2018 to John Andretti, who was battling colon cancer at the time.

  3. Partial ARCA Schedule in 2018: On January 8, 2018, it was announced that Burton would run a partial ARCA schedule with MDM in 2018. This decision allowed him to balance his racing commitments while continuing to develop his skills.

  4. Venturini Motorsports in 2019: On January 10, 2019, it was announced that Burton would drive the Venturini Motorsports No. 20 Toyota for five races in 2019. He won on his superspeedway debut at Daytona, marking another significant achievement in his career.

NASCAR Cup Series Debut

Harrison's entry into the NASCAR Cup Series represented a major milestone, showcasing his readiness for top-tier competition.

  1. Cup Series Debut in 2021: On April 15, 2021, Gaunt Brothers Racing announced that Burton would make his Cup Series debut with the team in their No. 96 Toyota at the Talladega race that month. This marked a major milestone in his transition to the top-tier NASCAR Cup Series.

  2. Current Team and Car Number: As of 2024, Harrison Burton competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 21 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Wood Brothers Racing. This partnership has been instrumental in his continued success and growth as a professional driver.

Family Influence and Racing Philosophy

Harrison's family background and personal approach to racing have played crucial roles in his development as a driver.

  1. Family Influence: As the son of Jeff Burton, Harrison has grown up surrounded by the world of NASCAR. His father's influence and guidance have likely played a significant role in shaping his career path and ambitions.

  2. Racing Statistics: In the 2024 season, Burton has participated in several races, including the Daytona 500. His performance has been notable, with a finish of 39th in the 2024 Daytona 500 and 39th in the 2023 Daytona 500.

  3. Career Summary: Burton’s career summary includes his early years in go-karts, quarter midgets, and late models. He has won multiple races in these categories and has been a consistent performer in higher-level series like the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR K&N Pro Series East.

Notable Performances

Harrison's performances in key races have highlighted his skill and determination to succeed.

  1. Motorsports Career Results: Burton’s motorsports career results are detailed, including his finishes in various races. His ability to adapt and perform under different conditions has been a hallmark of his career.

  2. Daytona 500 Performance: In the 2022 Daytona 500, Burton started in the eighth position and finished 39th. In 2023, he started in the 19th position and finished 26th. For the 2024 Daytona 500, he started in the 12th position and finished 39th.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

While Harrison's professional life is well-documented, his personal life and community involvement also shape his identity.

  1. Racing Philosophy: Burton’s approach to racing is likely influenced by his father’s experience and the lessons he has learned throughout his career. His ability to stay focused and adapt to new challenges is a testament to his strong racing philosophy.

  2. Personal Life: While there is limited information available about Harrison Burton’s personal life, it is clear that he has been dedicated to his career from a young age. His family background and early exposure to racing have likely played a significant role in shaping his personal values and goals.

  3. Community Involvement: As a prominent figure in the racing community, Burton may be involved in various charitable activities or community events. However, specific details about his community involvement are not readily available.

Media Presence and Fan Base

Harrison's growing popularity has increased his visibility in the public eye, attracting a dedicated fan base.

  1. Media Presence: Burton has likely been featured in various media outlets, including news articles, interviews, and social media platforms. His growing popularity as a professional driver has increased his visibility in the public eye.

  2. Fan Base: With his impressive career trajectory, Burton has likely built a dedicated fan base. Fans who follow his journey are likely inspired by his determination and skill on the track.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Harrison's career has not been without challenges, but his resilience and future prospects remain bright.

  1. Racing Legacy: As a young driver with a promising future, Burton is contributing to the rich legacy of NASCAR. His achievements will undoubtedly inspire future generations of drivers and fans alike.

  2. Challenges and Setbacks: Like any professional athlete, Burton has faced challenges and setbacks throughout his career. However, his ability to overcome these obstacles and continue performing at a high level is a testament to his resilience and dedication.

  3. Team Dynamics: Working with different teams and crew chiefs has been an essential part of Burton’s career. His ability to build strong relationships with his team members is crucial for his success on the track.

  4. Technological Advancements: The world of motorsports is constantly evolving, with technological advancements playing a significant role in improving performance. Burton’s ability to adapt to new technologies and strategies is essential for staying competitive in the sport.

  5. Future Prospects: With his current success in the NASCAR Cup Series, Burton has bright future prospects. His continued growth and achievements will likely make him a prominent figure in the world of professional stock car racing for years to come.

Harrison Burton's Bright Future

Harrison Burton's journey from go-karts to the NASCAR Cup Series is nothing short of impressive. With a racing career that began at just four years old, he's shown remarkable talent and determination. His early wins in super late models and quarter midgets set the stage for his success in higher-level series like the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR K&N Pro Series East.

Driving the No. 21 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Wood Brothers Racing, Burton continues to make his mark in the NASCAR Cup Series. His performances in races like the Daytona 500 highlight his potential and growth as a driver. With a strong family influence and a dedicated fan base, Burton's future in professional stock car racing looks incredibly promising.

As he navigates the challenges and triumphs of his career, Harrison Burton remains a name to watch in the racing world.

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