After delivering a shock win, Mr.Burton’s son has finally wrapped it up. Harrison Burton clinched his career-first NASCAR Cup Series victory at Daytona last month, stunning doubting fans. It not only re-energized the older Wood Brothers Racing team but also added fuel to his own career. However, that fuel just ran out at Bristol Motor Speedway. Entering the Round of 16 elimination race with 20 points below the cutline, Burton was in a tough spot to begin with.

Harrison Burton’s playoff dream cut short

Last weekend at Watkins Glen, most playoff drivers suffered unexpected issues, ranging from cut tires to dangerous crashes. But while they meant a little point shuffle for some, for others it potentially closed their 2024 playoff chapter. Harrison Burton was among the latter, and qualified 34th for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race. Although he recorded a best lap of 122.961 mph and came 21st on the practice lap, his reduced speed of 123.277 relegated him to the back of the field at qualifying.

The final race at the World’s Fastest Short Track held more woes in store for Harrison Burton. He needed to win here, but he could have done that with the biggest Hail Mary. On the flip side, his No. 21 Ford experienced issues with the power steering by lap 225. He was two laps down in 34th place, and that effectively sealed his fate. NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass updated the situation: “Harrison Burton to the garage. Power steering. He will not advance.”

After Harrison Burton got into the playoffs, he referred to his past Xfinity ventures. During his 2019-20 stint, he accumulated four wins. “I think I learned a lot of lessons in those, making it really big deal. I remember my first year, getting to the playoffs, and we struggled and didn’t do very well…get knocked out of the playoffs and then win two races in a row right after we got knocked out of the playoffs, which would have got us to Phoenix.” That same drab narrative seems to have finally played out on the Cup level, as Burton gets knocked out of the playoffs.

Burton is now over 50 points below the cutline, with no possibility to advance. So much for the No. 21 Ford’s first-ever playoff advance, as NASCAR fans got sarcastic in the comments.

Fans rub salt in Burton’s wounds

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Harrison Burton was dewy-eyed when he entered the playoffs – but only three races in and he is bound for heartbreak. However, NASCAR fans may be making it more difficult for him, as some people have become offensive. Somebody commented in a heavy satirical tone: “Not the GOAT.” Another fan also wore a sarcastic tone and lamented Burton’s fall. “Noooooooooooo.” One fan now hopes for Harrison Burton’s success – not in car racing, but in insurance. “Now he can work on passing that Insurance exam.”

Other people were particularly harsh, referring to Harrison Burton’s dwindling hopes in the first place. The No. 21 Ford driver got into the playoffs when he was last in points. And at Daytona, Burton got an unexpected push from Parker Retzlaff, a Chevy Xfinity driver – and his win was deemed questionable. So a fan declared Burton ruined other playoff-eligible drivers’ chances. “Waste of a playoff spot.” Another fan brought his four-year winless Cup streak into question: “Didn’t deserve it in the first place.”

Evidently, not many fans shared Harrison Burton’s playoff hopes. His downfall was widely expected, so let us now see if he spoils the chances of his rivals.