If there’s one thing NASCAR fans love (and dread), it’s a good ol’ photo finish. Sometimes it’s pure magic, and Talladega Superspeedway has never been one to disappoint. Remember when Jimmie Johnson edged Clint Bowyer by 0.002 seconds at the Aaron’s 499 in 2011? That’s pure ‘Dega for you. But while Johnson was the clear victor back then, Saturday’s Xfinity race was not so cut and dry.

Every so often, a close call leaves more questions than celebrations. Inches can spark hours of controversy, and emotions always run high when the checkered flag flutters into a gray area. And after the Ag-Pro 300, it’s safe to say the debate is on again. Only this time, the frustration didn’t just boil over. Rather, it broke out in raw, emotional fashion, setting up a fierce battle between one determined underdog and the system he’s fighting.

Jeb Burton lets loose on NASCAR

The final lap at Talladega was superspeedway racing at its best. Connor Zilisch was leading the pack with Jesse Love right on his bumper. And as is tradition at drafting tracks, Austin Hill was tucked behind Jesse Love, making full use of the draft. However, after Hill slightly tapped Love’s bumper, the #2 RCR Chevrolet gave up the outside lane and bumped into Zilisch, sending the latter crashing violently into the inside wall. Amid all this chaos was Jordan Anderson Racing’s Jeb Burton, running on the inside just next to Love as the Zilisch flew by his nose.

Burton, Hill, and Love were three-wide when the caution flag was thrown, and waited with bated breath as NASCAR reviewed the timing of their call to declare the winner. Hill and Love are already race winners in 2025, but Burton? His last win was in 2023, and at Talladega nonetheless! So, when NASCAR reviewed multiple camera angles, officials determined that Austin Hill was in the lead by just 0.001 seconds when the caution flag waved, and Burton was distraught. “Every angle I keep seeing, we win the race. Just frustrated with that, maybe they can show us a different angle here… I don’t know what’s so complicated there… we’re gonna protest, do whatever the hell we can do because I think we won this race,” a frustrated Burton said.

Jeb Burton stole the spotlight after the 2025 Ag-Pro 300 ended in one of the closest (and most controversial) finishes Talladega has seen. Burton believed he had claimed his third career, Xfinity Series, win at the iconic superspeedway. Despite his passionate pleas and pointed looks at the replays, the sanctioning body stood firm. They cited the footage showing the No. 21 car narrowly ahead of the No. 27 car, leaving Burton devastated. “That’s a bulls— photo. Where’s the timing line?” Frontstretch reported Burton saying on X.

However, Jeb Burton’s true emotions poured out when asked by the pit reporter, “Can you see through the frustration, though, and see the positive day you guys had. You scored the third most points, and I know that’s very important to you.” Burton took a deep sigh and choked up as he replied, “We don’t have a lot of chances to win, you know? That’s what’s frustrating.” Burton was an emotional wreck. He turned away from the cameras and wiped his tears off his face as he embraced his pit crew. A moment that struck a chord for every fan watching.

Driving for Jordan Anderson Racing, a team still clawing for its breakthrough moment, wins don’t come easily. While Jeb Burton has won twice at Talladega (2021 and 2023), he knows how rare these opportunities are for a team like JAR compared to powerhouse teams like Richard Childress Racing. RCR has won every superspeedway race so far this Xfinity season, with Love grabbing the win at Daytona and Hill at Atlanta and now Talladega.

Austin Hill celebrated a long-awaited Talladega triumph. After mastering wins at other superspeedways, Hill finally added Talladega to his résumé, showcasing the strength of his No. 21 team. As Burton wrestled with frustration, Hill was already looking ahead. He was more than ready to savor a career-defining victory, putting him in the upper echelon of superspeedway champions.

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Austin Hill celebrates his first Talladega victory

Austin Hill’s post-race interview at the 2025 Talladega Xfinity Series race reflected both relief and satisfaction after a dramatic, hard-fought win. Hill clinched his first career Talladega victory in the Ag-Pro 300 following a chaotic final lap. “I’ve just really wanted to win [at Talladega],” Hill said in a post-race interview.

“We’ve won at all these other superspeedways.” The Richard Childress Racing driver is a superspeedway savant. He has won 5 of the last 6 Xfinity races at Atlanta, including the last three in a row! And Daytona? 3 wins since 2022, and has qualified in the top-5 every race since 2023. Talladega was the missing piece in this drafting puzzle, and the #21 was relieved to complete his masterpiece.

Hill’s victory marked his third win of the 2025 Xfinity season and his ninth overall on drafting tracks, breaking a tie with legends like Dale Earnhardt and Tony Stewart. He praised his RCR teammate Jesse Love for their strong teamwork throughout the race, especially during the intense closing laps. “We really had to work for that one,” Hill reflected.

Looking ahead, the Xfinity Series will continue its season at Texas Motor Speedway on May 3 for the Andy’s Frozen Custard 300. Hill will be looking to build on his momentum from Talladega. Jeb Burton, on the other hand, must put Talladega behind him. He must look for redemption as he and Jordan Anderson Racing aim to turn heartbreak into a breakthrough moment deep in the Lone Star State.