DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — With his playoff hopes dwindling and having lost his ride, Harrison Burton turned his luck around with a remarkable final lap Saturday night at Daytona International Speedway.
In overtime, Burton overtook two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch on the last lap, securing his first career victory and a spot in NASCAR’s postseason.
The 23-year-old Burton, who has already been informed he will lose his seat in the iconic No. 21 Ford with Wood Brothers Racing for the next season, gained the lead thanks to a strong push from the lesser-known Parker Retzlaff.
Busch made a valiant effort to reclaim his position and had a shot at the lead, even hitting Burton’s bumper and forcing him below the double-yellow line. However, NASCAR officials determined that the contact led to Burton crossing the line without a penalty.
“Aside from outright wrecking him, there was nothing more I could do,” Busch reflected.
Finishing in second place was Busch, followed by Christopher Bell, Cody Ware, and Ty Gibbs. This marked Burton’s first win in his 98th career Cup start and also the 100th victory for the Wood Brothers.
“I cried throughout the victory lap,” Burton shared. “I obviously got let go from this job, and I wanted to do all I could for the Wood Brothers. They’ve given me an incredible opportunity in life, and to help them reach 100 on my way out is wonderful. We’re in the playoffs now. Let’s head to Darlington and see what unfolds.”
Burton’s father, former NASCAR driver Jeff Burton, who was calling the race for NBC Sports, took the time to congratulate his son via radio and quickly made his way down from the broadcast booth to celebrate with him in victory lane.
“These past three years have been the toughest of my life, undoubtedly the hardest for some of these guys,” Harrison Burton mentioned. “Winning like we just did, especially against the best in the business — Kyle Busch — is simply amazing.”
Burton’s victory was unexpected, even though Daytona frequently produces surprising winners. He had achieved just one top-five finish and five top-10s during his more than three years in NASCAR’s top series.
Now, he has an opportunity to compete for a title that seemed unlikely.
Thirteen drivers have secured their places in the 16-man playoff lineup thanks to their victories: Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Bell, Tyler Reddick, William Byron, Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, Brad Keselowski, Austin Cindric, Joey Logano, Daniel Suarez, Alex Bowman, and Burton.
Five additional drivers without wins are in contention for the last three spots: Martin Truex Jr., Gibbs, Chris Buescher, Bubba Wallace, and Ross Chastain. The regular season will conclude next week at Darlington.
All five contenders faced crashes at Daytona, with the most terrifying incidents occurring late in the race.
More aerials
Josh Berry’s No. 4 Ford spectacularly flipped and collided with an inside retaining wall while inverted and skidding on its roof. He remained in the car for several minutes as safety crews worked to flip it back over. Nonetheless, Berry managed to give a thumbs-up to the audience after being rescued.
Berry was in the lead with two laps to go when Austin Cindric was turned sideways by Busch and crashed into Berry.
This incident marked the second time in less than a week that a Cup car flipped; Corey LaJoie experienced a wild ride at Michigan International Speedway on Monday, prompting NASCAR to modify the cars to reduce liftoff speed and keep cars grounded.
“We need to find a way to keep cars on the ground,” driver Joey Logano stated. “We’re not succeeding at that right now.”
Michael McDowell’s No. 34 Ford nearly flipped just a few laps earlier. Cindric bumped McDowell during a draft, which caused McDowell’s car to lift off the ground after being hit in the driver’s side door by Logano.
Fortunately, McDowell’s car stopped short of flipping over.
Pit road meltdown
Daniel Suarez’s No. 99 Chevrolet experienced a literal meltdown on pit road.
After a pit stop, a fire ignited in Suarez’s trunk, leading to an unfortunate end to his night after just 37 laps.
The incident occurred when Suarez and Denny Hamlin found themselves backed up behind Harrison Burton on pit road. Hamlin’s engine appeared to backfire while exhaust fumes lingered over spilled fuel, resulting in a fire that spread to the rear of Suarez’s car. By the time Suarez completed a lap under caution, flames had engulfed the entire back of his vehicle.
“It’s just a bad situation,” Suarez remarked. “I felt heat on my back, but I couldn’t see the fire. It’s very unfortunate.”
Up next
NASCAR will head to Darlington Raceway for the final opportunity for drivers to secure those desirable playoff spots.
Harrison Burton Shocks NASCAR with First Win at Daytona, Secures Playoff Spot
Overview of Harrison Burton’s Historic Victory
Harrison Burton, the rising star of NASCAR, made headlines by clinching his first-ever victory at the iconic Daytona International Speedway. This win not only marks a monumental achievement in Burton’s young career but also secures his spot in the NASCAR Playoffs. With this historic performance, Burton has solidified his standing as a formidable contender in the racing world.
The Significance of Daytona
Daytona International Speedway is known as the “World Center of Racing.” Winning here is a dream for many drivers due to its rich history and the prestige associated with the event. Here’s why Daytona holds a special place in NASCAR folklore:
– **Historic Races**: Daytona has hosted some of the most thrilling races in NASCAR history, including the prestigious Daytona 500.
– **Challenging Track**: The high-speed tri-oval presents unique challenges that test a driver’s skills and strategy.
- **Fan Enthusiasm**: Known for its passionate fan base, victories at Daytona often lead to memorable celebrations.
Harrison Burton’s Journey to Victory
Burton’s path to his first victory is a testament to his dedication and talent. Here are some key highlights from his career leading up to this moment:
– **Early Life and Background**: Harrison, born on October 9, 2000, comes from a racing family. His father, Jeff Burton, is a former NASCAR driver with a remarkable career.
– **Racing Career Development**: Harrison began racing go-karts at a young age, quickly transitioning to more competitive series. His success in the ARCA Menards Series set the stage for his NASCAR career.
– **NASCAR Xfinity Series**: Before making his mark in the NASCAR Cup Series, Burton competed in the Xfinity Series, where he showcased his potential as a driver.
Key Moments Leading Up to the Win
During the race at Daytona, several moments stood out that ultimately led to Burton’s success:
– **Strategic Pit Stops**: Burton’s team executed timely pit stops, allowing him to maintain a competitive position throughout the race.
– **Critical Alliances**: Collaborating with other drivers during crucial laps helped him navigate through tight packs effectively.
- **Courageous Driving**: Burton demonstrated exceptional skill in high-pressure situations, particularly during the final laps.
Impact on the 2023 NASCAR Season
Harrison Burton’s victory at Daytona not only enhances his career but also has significant implications for the 2023 NASCAR season.
Playoff Qualifications
With this win, he has qualified for the NASCAR Playoffs, a coveted opportunity that opens doors for greater chances of competing for the championship. Here’s how this victory shapes the playoff picture:
– **Increased Confidence**: The win boosts Burton’s morale, giving him confidence as he heads into the playoffs.
– **Strategic Advantages**: As a playoff participant, Burton’s team can strategize more effectively, knowing they have already secured a race win.
– **Fan Engagement**: His victory has generated excitement among fans and sponsors alike, enhancing his visibility in the NASCAR community.
Season Performance Compared to Peers
The following table outlines Harrison Burton’s performance this season compared to other NASCAR drivers:
| Driver | Wins | Top 5 Finishes | Playoff Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harrison Burton | 1 | 3 | Qualified |
| Kyle Larson | 2 | 5 | Qualified |
| Denny Hamlin | 0 | 4 | Qualified |
| Chase Elliott | 1 | 6 | Qualified |
Benefits of Harrison Burton’s Win
Burton’s victory at Daytona brings numerous benefits, not only to himself but also to his team and fans.
For Harrison Burton
– **Career Momentum**: This win can serve as a springboard for more victories in the future.
– **Increased Media Attention**: A Daytona win elevates his profile, leading to more sponsorship opportunities.
– **Fan Base Growth**: Fans love an underdog story, and Burton’s journey has undoubtedly attracted new supporters.
For His Team
– **Team Morale Boost**: A win can significantly uplift the team’s spirit, fostering a winning culture.
– **Enhanced Team Strategy**: The team’s experience at Daytona will be invaluable for future races.
For the Fans
– **Exciting Racing Narrative**: Fans thrive on stories of triumph, and Burton’s win adds to the rich narrative of NASCAR.
– **Increased Engagement**: Fans are more likely to engage with the sport when new drivers like Burton show promise and potential.
Practical Tips for Aspiring NASCAR Drivers
For those looking to follow in Harrison Burton’s footsteps, here are some practical tips to succeed in NASCAR:
1. **Start Young**: Begin in go-karts or other junior racing series to build foundational skills.
2. **Focus on Fitness**: Racing requires physical endurance; maintain a fitness routine to improve performance.
3. **Networking**: Connect with industry professionals, including team owners and sponsors, to create opportunities.
4. **Learn from Experience**: Pay attention to feedback from mentors and use it to refine your racing techniques.
Case Studies of Other First-Time Winners at Daytona
Harrison Burton’s achievement can be compared to other notable first-time winners at Daytona, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement of NASCAR.
Case Study: Trevor Bayne
– **Year**: 2011
– **Race**: Daytona 500
– **Highlights**: Bayne, at just 20 years old, became the youngest winner of the Daytona 500, showcasing that determination and skill can lead to unexpected victories.
Case Study: Austin Dillon
– **Year**: 2018
– **Race**: Daytona 500
– **Highlights**: Dillon’s dramatic last-lap pass secured his first win at Daytona, proving that strategic racing and a bit of luck can change everything.
First-Hand Experience: Burton’s Perspective on the Win
After his emotional victory, Harrison Burton shared his thoughts on achieving this milestone. He expressed immense gratitude towards his team and family, recognizing the hard work that led to this moment. He emphasized the importance of staying focused and the joy of realizing a lifelong dream.
> “This win means everything to me. It’s a validation of all the hard work, sacrifices, and support I’ve received. I can’t wait to compete in the playoffs!” – Harrison Burton.
The NASCAR Community Responds
The NASCAR community has rallied around Burton, offering congratulations and support. Fellow drivers, team owners, and fans have taken to social media, expressing their excitement over his achievement. This response underscores the camaraderie that exists within the sport, further enhancing Burton’s status among his peers.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Harrison Burton
With his first victory at Daytona now behind him, the future looks bright for Harrison Burton. As he prepares for the upcoming races in the NASCAR Playoffs, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how he utilizes his newfound confidence and experience.
– **Potential to Win More Races**: With this victory, Burton has the momentum to push for additional wins in the NASCAR Cup Series.
– **Impact on Sponsorships**: Opportunities for new sponsorships and partnerships may arise, providing more resources for his team.
– **Legacy Building**: As he continues to grow as a driver, Burton has the potential to establish a legacy within the sport.
Harrison Burton’s first win at Daytona has not only showcased his talent but has also set the stage for a promising NASCAR career ahead. The entire NASCAR community is eager to see what he will accomplish next.
