As NASCAR unveiled an updated restart zone for the Charlotte Motor Speedway race, everyone braced for mayhem. And, true to form, Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series Drive for the Cure 250 delivered just that. Justin Allgaier, who clinched the opening stage and led for a substantial 10 laps, seemed poised for victory. Yet, the prodigy of Jeff Burton, in a bold bid to secure his spot in the Round of 8, played his cards differently, choosing not to pit during a late-race caution.
With less than 10 laps left, Burton found himself defending his lead from a swarm of racers boasting fresher tires. Although his tactical gamble didn’t quite land him the win, he did catch a break off the track, bagging an unexpected nod from the 134-year-old linen behemoth.
A family member of Jeff Burton receives an honor from over a century-old linen business
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The nephew of Jeff Burton, the stalwart NASCAR driver, has not only faced the ebb and flow on the racetrack but also the twists and turns of personal challenges. While his journey to becoming a prominent figure in the sport saw its pinnacle in 2013 with a Truck Series victory for Turner Scott Motorsports, 2021 marked a significant year for him. After nearly clinching the win at Richmond Raceway, the prodigy of Jeff Burton was set to race full-time in the 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series, piloting the No. 10 Camaro for Kaulig Racing. He’s currently taking the wheel with Jordan Anderson Racing.
While Jeb Burton’s track life had its own set of hurdles, his personal life threw even fiercer challenges. In 2015, Tabitha Burton, Jeb’s mother, and wife of Daytona 500 champ Ward Burton, grappled with a breast cancer diagnosis. A year of relentless struggle culminated in a triumphant declaration of being cancer-free in December 2015.
But now, honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the esteemed Alsco Uniforms has bestowed upon Tabitha Burton, the pillar behind the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation, the title of grand marshal for the Alsco Uniforms 302 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Las Vegas.
Citing the same, Jeb Burton reshared the Alsco Uniforms post on Twitter, with a caption that read, “This is so cool! Mom kicked cancers a** thank you @alscouniforms!”
This is so cool! Mom kicked cancers ass thank you @alscouniforms! https://t.co/4HCKcnNvlZ
— Jeb Burton (@JebBurtonRacing) October 13, 2023
Overwhelmed by the gesture, Tabitha shared, “I’m so excited to be announcing the most famous words (Start Your Engines) in racing in a race that my son (Jeb) will be racing in with a breast cancer awareness paint scheme. It will be my honor to represent him as well as all those who have had to live through the terrible disease of breast cancer.”
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Trish Leishman, the national sales operations manager at Alsco Uniforms, echoing a similar sentiment, added, “I am excited to be the honorary starter at the Alsco Uniforms 302 in Las Vegas. My mom, who carries the BRCA1 gene, is currently in a courageous battle against breast cancer. This fight extends beyond just her, as our family has come together to provide unwavering support and strength to sustain her.” Jeb Burton himself couldn’t hide his enthusiasm, expressing his elation after the announcement.
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Jeb Burton is excited to drive on a track where his mother would be the Grand Marshal
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As Jeb Burton geared up for the Drive for the Cure 250, he found himself in a challenging spot, 19 points adrift from the cutoff. Starting in 19th place made his chase for stage points even more daunting for the No. 27 Jordan Anderson Racing team. Despite securing a mere two points in the first stage and none in the second, his glimmer of hope lay in clinching a victory at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course.
While this season’s curtains are drawn, Jeb can look back with pride. He’s made significant strides since last year, boasting a better average start and finish and even bagging a win. Moreover, this year’s tally features five top 10s, marking five more than last year’s count.
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Yet, amidst the high-pressure turns and tussles of the race, a heartwarming beacon awaits Jeb. His mother would grace the track, not just as a spectator but as the grand marshal, heralding the roaring start of engines. A visibly touched Jeb remarked, “There is nothing more exciting than driving in a race where my mom is the grand marshal and I get to have her name on my car as we spread awareness of fighting this terrible disease.”