Analysis
NASCAR Cup Daytona 500
Burtons welcome Sprint Cup opportunity with BKR
Jeb and Ward Burton partner up with BK Racing.
Lee Spencer
Edited: Feb 9, 2015, 2:47 PM
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Jeb Burton was just nine years old when his father Ward won the Daytona 500 in 2002.
The experience at the Birthplace of Speed solidified what career path the younger he would take.
Burton knew he “would like to win the 500 one day.”
This weekend, Burton, 22, will make his Sprint Cup debut in the No. 26 BK Racing Toyota at Daytona International Speedway. On Feb. 22, the younger Burton will have his first opportunity to battle for the coveted Harley J. Earl trophy.
BK Racing called me, believed in me and wanted me – that means a lot.
Jeb Burton
“It’s a great opportunity for me,” Burton told Motorsport.com. “Very excited to get to race in Cup. I had just lost my truck ride. BK Racing called me, believed in me and wanted me – that means a lot.”
A winning combination
BK Racing will officially announced the father/son combo of Jeb and Ward Burton joining the organization on Monday morning. The elder Burton will serve as a team ambassador for BKR and accompany Jeb at select race as a driver coach throughout the 2015 season. Ward honed his skills in what is now the Xfinity Series for four full seasons, where he won four races. He was 32 before A.G. Dillard offered Burton his first ride in Cup, where he won five races in 11 seasons. In 2012, Burton made his last NASCAR – and first start in a truck. He finished eighth.
BKR co-owner Anthony Marlowe said the organization is “honored to have a former Daytona 500 champion representing” the team.
We have the utmost respect for Ward and look forward to working with him on maximizing Jeb’s potential as a future all-star in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
Anthony Marlowe
“Ward Burton is extremely knowledgeable on the sport and will be a great addition to our team as an ambassador as well as an invaluable mentor to our drivers,” Marlowe said. “We have the utmost respect for Ward and look forward to working with him on maximizing Jeb’s potential as a future all-star in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.”
Jeb Burton has always had his father as a mentor. His best advice to his son? “Never forget the people that helped you get to this point,” said Jeb, who signed a three-year deal with BKR.
Starting anew
Burton had a solid truck career with one win, seven poles, seven top fives, 19 top 10s and never finished outside of the top 10 in NCWTS point standings. In two Xfinity Series starts, he averaged an 11.5-place finish. Despite Burton’s success, he’s mindful of the challenge that lies ahead.
“I’m excited to get to Daytona,” Burton said. “My initial goal is to make the race and then complete all the laps. For the season, I want to win Rookie-of-Year, finish in the top 25 in the point standings and earn respect on and off the track.”
On Monday, BKR will also announce its 2015 partners which include Dr. Pepper, MAXIM Magazine and its Fantasy Sports App, Dustless Blasting Schluter Systems, Lumilor and the band 311.
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