The roller coaster of a NASCAR career can take a driver from the lowest valleys to the highest peaks in the blink of an eye. For Harrison Burton, that ride reached its nadir with a disappointing departure from the Wood Brothers Racing team after the 2024 season. But just as fans were beginning to write him off, Burton shocked the racing world with a dazzling, against-all-odds victory at Daytona—cementing himself as one of the most memorable underdog stories in recent history.

Who is Harrison Burton? How did a driver once labeled a disappointment rise to capture NASCAR’s imagination and save his career with one electrifying triumph? Let’s dive into the story of the man behind the wheel of that No. 21 Ford Mustang and his plans to reclaim his place in the NASCAR spotlight.

Who is Harrison Burton?

Harrison Brian Burton was born on October 9, 2000, in Huntersville, North Carolina, into a family steeped in NASCAR history. His father, Jeff Burton, is a former NASCAR driver and now a respected analyst, while his uncle, Ward Burton, won the Daytona 500 in 2002. Racing runs in his blood, but Harrison was determined to make his own mark on the sport.

Burton began racing go-karts at just two years old, stepping up to quarter midgets by four. By his teens, he was already a decorated competitor, earning titles in the USAC Quarter Midget Championship and racking up wins in late model races. Whether it was at Ace Speedway or New Smyrna, the young driver showed a flair for adaptability and a hunger to win.

As he grew older, Burton’s talent brought him to the national stage, where he became the youngest driver to start in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. By 20, he was not only a seasoned competitor but also the first driver born in the 2000s to win in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, proving that he had both the pedigree and the skill to succeed at higher levels.

From Quarter Midget to Cup Series: Harrison Burton’s Racing Stint

Burton’s progression through NASCAR’s ranks was rapid. His early career included impressive stints in the CARS Super Late Model Tour and the ARCA Menards Series, where he scored multiple victories, including a dramatic superspeedway debut win at Pocono. These performances showcased his ability to perform under pressure, earning him a spot in Kyle Busch Motorsports’ Truck Series team.

In 2020, Burton made headlines in the Xfinity Series, capturing four wins in his rookie season and finishing in the top ten in nearly every race. His Xfinity success paved the way for a move to the Cup Series in 2022, joining the iconic Wood Brothers Racing team to pilot the No. 21 Ford Mustang.

However, the transition to the Cup Series proved challenging. Burton’s rookie season was marred by inconsistency, and while he achieved a handful of top-10 finishes, the results were far from what the team had hoped for. Over three seasons, he struggled to break into the top tier of drivers, finishing 31st in the standings in 2023. By mid-2024, the writing was on the wall: Josh Berry was announced as his replacement for 2025.

Why is Harrison Burton Leaving Wood Brothers Racing?

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The decision to part ways with Wood Brothers Racing was not an easy one for Burton—or the team. Despite flashes of potential, including a dramatic third-place finish at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2022, Burton’s overall performance did not meet expectations. His 2024 season began with a dismal 39th-place finish at Daytona and was plagued by mechanical issues and crashes.

But just as his tenure with the Wood Brothers seemed destined to end quietly, Burton stunned the NASCAR world in the summer Daytona race. In a nail-biting finish, he edged out Kyle Busch by 0.047 seconds to claim his first career Cup Series victory. It was a historic moment—the Wood Brothers’ 100th Cup win and their first since 2017.

“That win at Daytona meant everything,” Burton reflected. “It was the culmination of so many years of hard work, and to do it with that team was special. It’s a memory I’ll carry with me forever.”

The victory secured Burton a playoff berth, but his Cinderella story was short-lived. Eliminated in the first round after a series of unfortunate races, he ultimately finished 16th in the standings—an improvement over previous seasons but not enough to save his Cup ride.

Will the Return to the 2025 Xfinity Series Be a Turnaround for Harrison Burton’s Racing Career?

For 2025, Burton is set to return to the Xfinity Series with AM Racing, driving the No. 15 Ford Mustang. Unlike his first stint in the series, where he raced under the powerhouse banner of Joe Gibbs Racing, this time Burton joins a younger, developing team. However, he sees this as an opportunity to reset and rebuild.

“They look at me as someone who brings experience from great teams,” Burton said. “If we can create a winning culture here, it’ll mean even more than my wins with Gibbs. That’s what excites me.”

Burton acknowledges that his time in the Cup Series didn’t go as planned but insists he has learned invaluable lessons. “I’ve got a lot of tread left on the tires,” he said. “I know I can be a Cup-level driver. I just need to prove it.”

He’ll work alongside crew chief Danny Efland to develop the team, bringing his experience and leadership to AM Racing. While the 24-year-old driver is optimistic, he is also pragmatic about the challenges ahead. “The real test comes when we hit the track,” Burton admitted. “But I feel good about the people and the momentum we’re building.”

The Road Ahead

Harrison Burton’s journey from prodigy to Cup Series underdog—and now a returning Xfinity driver—has been anything but conventional. His Daytona triumph proved he has what it takes to compete at NASCAR’s highest levels, but his focus now shifts to consistency and leadership as he strives to rebuild his career.

Will the return to the Xfinity Series mark a turning point for Burton? If his resilience and determination are any indication, NASCAR fans might not have seen the last of this talented young driver in the Cup Series.