Harrison Burton may only be 21 years old, but he has already made a significant impact in the world of motorsports. With a last name like his, it’s no surprise that Burton comes from a racing family and has been involved in the sport since a young age. However, it takes more than just a famous last name to succeed in the highly competitive world of racing.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the rise of Harrison Burton, from his early beginnings in racing to his current status as a rising star in the industry. We will explore his family’s influence, early achievements, and major milestones in his career, as well as the challenges he has overcome and his future prospects. Let’s dive into the story of this young and talented driver.
Early Life and Introduction to Racing
Harrison Burton was born on October 9, 2000, in Huntersville, North Carolina, to parents Jeff and Kim Burton. Growing up, he was surrounded by racing, with his father and uncle both being successful NASCAR drivers. His grandfather, John Burton, also had a long career in racing and was inducted into the Catawba County Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.
With such a strong racing background, it was natural for Burton to develop an interest in the sport at a young age. He began racing go-karts at the age of five and quickly showed promise on the track. By the time he was eight years old, he had won multiple races and championships in go-karting.
As Burton continued to excel in go-karts, he soon moved on to other forms of racing. At the age of 11, he began competing in Bandolero cars, where he also achieved numerous wins and championships. It was clear that Burton had a natural talent for racing and was destined for a successful career in the sport.
Family Influence and Racing Legacy
Harrison Burton’s family has played a major role in his racing career, both as mentors and supporters. His father, Jeff Burton, is a well-known name in the NASCAR world, with 695 starts in the Cup Series and victories at some of the sport’s biggest races, including the Southern 500 and Coca-Cola 600.
Growing up, Burton had the opportunity to learn from his father’s experiences and receive valuable advice from him. In an interview with NBC Sports, Jeff Burton shared that he always encouraged his son to focus on his own performance rather than comparing himself to others. He also emphasized the importance of hard work and dedication, saying, “You have to be willing to outwork everybody else.”
Burton’s uncle, Ward Burton, was also a successful NASCAR driver, with five wins in the Cup Series and a victory at the 2002 Daytona 500. Both Jeff and Ward have been supportive of Harrison’s racing career and have provided guidance and mentorship along the way.
The Burtons’ legacy in racing extends beyond just Jeff and Ward. Harrison’s grandfather, John Burton, had a successful racing career as well, with over 20 years of experience in various forms of racing. His cousin, Jeb Burton, is also a professional racecar driver, currently competing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Early Achievements and Youth Championships
As a young driver, Harrison Burton quickly made a name for himself in the world of motorsports. He continued to excel in Bandolero cars, winning championships in multiple divisions and earning the nickname “The Bandit.” At the age of 12, he moved on to Legends cars, where he achieved even more success.
In 2015, at the age of 14, Burton made his debut in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, becoming the youngest driver to ever compete in the series. He finished second in his very first race and went on to earn four top-five finishes and six top-ten finishes in only nine starts. This impressive performance earned him the 2015 K&N Pro Series East Rookie of the Year title.
The following year, Burton became the youngest driver to win a Super Late Model race at New Smyrna Speedway. He also competed in various Late Model races and made his ARCA Racing Series debut. In 2017, he won the Super Late Model championship at the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing, further solidifying his status as a rising star in racing.
Transition to Professional Racing
In 2017, Harrison Burton took the next step in his racing career, joining Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. He competed in seven races that season, earning his first top-ten finish at Martinsville Speedway. At only 17 years old, Burton was the youngest driver to ever compete for KBM.
The following year, Burton joined Venturini Motorsports in the ARCA Racing Series and had a successful season, earning two wins, six top-five finishes, and ten top-ten finishes. He also competed in multiple races in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing and Richard Childress Racing.
In 2019, Burton continued to make strides in his professional racing career, competing full-time in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series for KBM. He earned his first career victory at the Lucas Oil 150 at ISM Raceway and finished fifth in the overall standings. He also made his Cup Series debut with Gaunt Brothers Racing at Talladega Superspeedway.
Major Milestones in His Career
Harrison Burton’s young career is already filled with major milestones and accomplishments. At just 18 years old, he has achieved great success in various forms of racing and has shown tremendous potential for the future.
One of his most notable achievements was winning the 2020 Xfinity Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It was his first victory in the series, and he became the youngest driver to win an Xfinity Series race at Homestead. He also joined his father, Jeff Burton, as the only father-son duo to win at the track.
Burton’s first career Cup Series start also came in 2020 when he filled in for Kyle Busch at Texas Motor Speedway. He finished in 21st place, becoming the youngest driver to compete in a Cup Series race for Joe Gibbs Racing.
In addition to his on-track accomplishments, Burton has also been recognized off the track. In 2019, he was named one of NASCAR’s “Nine Drivers to Watch” by USA Today, and in 2020, he was included in Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list in the sports category.
Challenges and Setbacks Overcome
As with any sport, racing comes with its fair share of challenges and setbacks. Harrison Burton has faced his own share of struggles throughout his career, but he has shown resilience and determination in overcoming them.
One of the biggest challenges for young drivers is securing sponsorship and funding to continue their racing careers. In 2018, Burton lost his primary sponsor, Dex Imaging, just two races into the season. This caused him to sit out several races, hindering his progress in the Truck Series.
However, Burton’s talent and determination caught the attention of more sponsors, and he was able to secure funding to continue racing. In 2019, he signed a multi-year deal with DEX Imaging as his primary sponsor, allowing him to compete full-time in the Truck Series.
Another challenge for any driver is the physical demands of the sport. Racing requires intense focus, quick reflexes, and physical endurance, especially in longer races. In 2020, Burton suffered a shoulder injury while training, which caused him to miss one race in the Truck Series. However, he was determined to get back on track and continued to perform at a high level despite the injury.
Key Strengths and Racing Style
Harrison Burton’s success on the track can be attributed to his natural talent and hard work, but he also possesses certain strengths that have helped him stand out in the highly competitive world of racing.
One of his key strengths is his ability to adapt to different types of tracks and cars. From go-karts to Late Models to trucks and Xfinity Series cars, Burton has shown versatility and skill in various forms of racing. This adaptability is crucial for success in NASCAR, where drivers must be able to perform on different types of tracks, from short ovals to superspeedways.
Burton is also known for his aggressive driving style, often making bold moves on the track to gain positions. While this can sometimes lead to mistakes or accidents, it has also been a key factor in his victories and top finishes. His willingness to take risks and push himself to the limit is a valuable asset in the sport of racing.
Notable Races and Wins
Harrison Burton’s young career is already filled with notable races and victories. In addition to his first Xfinity Series win at Homestead-Miami Speedway, he has also earned wins in the ARCA Racing Series, Super Late Model races, and Legends car events.
One of his most memorable races was the 2017 Winchester 400, where he battled against veteran drivers and went on to win the prestigious event. He also won the inaugural Myrtle Beach 400 in 2019, becoming the youngest driver to ever win the race.
In the Truck Series, Burton’s first career victory came at the Lucas Oil 150 at ISM Raceway in 2019. He also won the Buckle Up in Your Truck 225 at Kentucky Speedway in 2020 and has earned numerous top-five and top-ten finishes in the series.
Future Prospects and Career Aspirations
At only 21 years old, Harrison Burton’s future in racing is full of potential and exciting possibilities. He has already achieved a great deal in his young career and continues to improve and gain experience with each race.
Burton has expressed his desire to eventually compete in the Cup Series, following in the footsteps of his father and uncle. In an interview with Fox Sports, he stated, “I definitely want to be where my family has come from and what they’ve done. Hopefully, I can follow in their footsteps someday.”
With his talent, determination, and strong family support, it’s not a stretch to imagine Burton competing at the highest level of NASCAR in the near future. He has all the makings of a future star in motorsports and is well on his way to achieving his goals and aspirations.
Conclusion
Harrison Burton’s rise in the world of motorsports has been nothing short of impressive. From a young age, he showed natural talent and a passion for racing that has carried him to where he is today. With a famous last name and a supportive racing family, Burton has already achieved significant milestones in his career and has a bright future ahead of him.
Through challenges and setbacks, Burton has persevered and continued to improve, demonstrating his determination and drive to succeed. His key strengths and racing style have set him apart on the track, earning him victories and recognition as one of NASCAR’s top young drivers.
As he continues to climb the ranks of professional racing, there is no doubt that Harrison Burton will leave a lasting mark on the sport. He is a future star in motorsports, and we can’t wait to see what he will achieve in the years to come.
