Jeff Burton Turned Teary Eyed as Son Harrison Revealed the Ultimate NASCAR Honor

2023 has been a vital year for NASCAR not just due to the massive media rights deal but also because it marks a significant milestone in its history. Celebrating its Diamond Jubilee, the sport decided to include 25 additional drivers in the list of the 50 greatest NASCAR racers honored on its 50th Anniversary in 1998. While big names such as Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch were surely going to be a part of it, one man got the biggest surprise earlier this year from NASCAR officials: Jeff Burton.

The man nicknamed “The Mayor” for his commitment to improving safety standards and his respectful nature, Jeff Burton, was bestowed the biggest honor while wishing his son the best of luck for his big race at Talladega Superspeedway from the commentary box. But what truly made the monumental occasion feel special was the person from whom Jeff Burton received the good news!

Jeff Burton found his addition to the list of Top 75 greatest NASCAR drivers of all time hard to believe

Sharing a video from the time he got inducted into the list of the top 75 greatest drivers of all time, Burton revealed how it was his favorite moment of the year. He shared, “Heading into 2024, I am thankful for many things that have come my way this year. Being named one of the Top 75 Drivers is high on that list. Thank you to my NASCAR family and my family for all your support over the years.”

In the video, Burton was wishing his son the best of luck for a mega race at Talladega Superspeedway when Harrison Burton chimed in, “Dad, I need to let you know that you are on the NASCAR top 75 drivers of all time so congrats and I’m proud of you!” This immediately sent Jeff Burton into a state of disbelief as the reality sank in that he was one of the seventy-five greatest drivers ever to grace the Oval.

Burton was joined by fellow announcer Rick Allen, who honored The Mayor with a hamper from NASCAR celebrating the significant achievement. The man whose one of only fifteen drivers to win the Coca-Cola 600 currently was elated and shared, “That is so awesome! I’m glad y’all are here to celebrate that with me. Y’all have all been a part of it, thank you all.”

While Jeff Burton never won a championship, he came close on multiple occasions in the late 90s. His best season in terms of race wins would come in 1999 when he won six races. He closely followed that season up with another strong finish in 2000 winning four race wins and achieving a career-best season finish in third. If there’s any NASCAR driver without a championship that deserves a mention in the top seventy-five, it’s definitely Jeff Burton.

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It’s safe to say that NASCAR’s special mention for the 21-time Cup Series winner was long overdue and well-deserved. After all, nothing could have been better than being told the good news by his son who is following in his footsteps closely. But do you know some of the other icons who’ve made their way to NASCAR’s esteemed list?

Some of the other exciting additions to the Top 75 list

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NASCAR would give Kevin Harvick one final gift before his retirement when it was announced that he would be a part of the list. Since stepping into the Cup Series after Dale Earnhardt’s untimely death, Harvick has garnered a career worthy of the highest praise with 60 Cup Series wins and the 2014 championship to his name.

Adding to the list were the Busch brothers who joined the likes of the Labonte brothers to become one of the few brother pairings on the list. Kurt Busch’s 34 wins combined with Kyle Busch’s 62 mean they are the most winningest brother-driver pairings of all time! The pair were joined by Kyle Larson as well, who happens to be a dirt track racing maestro at this point.

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Amongst other notable names added to the list were new team owner Brad Keselowski and fan favorite Chase Elliott. Some Xfinity sensations were also present such as Randy LaJoie and two-time champion Martin Truex Jr. With 25 more drivers making it to NASCAR’s greatest of all-time list, which current young guns will rise to glory in the coming 25 years?