Monday, February 9, 2015

The Burtons are back in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series

   Jeb Burton, the 22-year-old son of former NASCAR driver and Daytona 500 winner Ward Burton, will move full-time to the Sprint Cup Series this season, driving the No. 26 Toyota for BK Racing, the team announced on Monday.

   In addition, the team said Ward Burton would join the organization as a 'team ambassador' and would make appearances with Jeb during the 2015 NASCAR season.

   In 49 starts in NASCAR's Truck series, Jeb had one win, seven top-five and 19 top-10 finishes and won seven poles.

    "I am so thankful for the opportunity that BK Racing has given me," Jeb said. "It has been a dream of mine to race in the Daytona 500 ever since I was 9 years old and I stood with my dad in Victory Lane.

   "I remember thinking to myself then in 2002, I would like to win the 500 one day. Now I have a chance at making that dream come true."

   Ward Burton last competed regularly in NASCAR in 2007 and his brother Jeff Burton, Jeb's uncle, has retired as a driver and will serve as a TV analyst this season for NBC Sports' NASCAR coverage.