Jeff Burton, possibly the most successful driver to emerge from the iconic family of NASCAR stalwarts, secured 21 Cup Series wins in his career that spanned from the mid-1990s to 2014. His brother, Ward, too, had raced in the top tier. The Burtons have representatives in this era as well.
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Jeff’s son, Harrison, and his nephew, Jeb, are currently competing in the sport, keeping the family legacy alive. In an interview with Frontstretch in 2024, Jeff explained how much of a privilege it has been for him and his family to be a part of the sport.
Jeff said that it is a difficult way to make a living, and admitting it breaks his heart. But then, it is a massive honor to be doing it, too, because he thinks it is a gift to be able to do something you love for a profession.
“If you look at the number of people that have started races versus the people who have won them, it’s a small percentage to ever win a Cup [Series] race, which makes it really great to be a part of, but also makes it difficult,” said Jeff.
“It’s a love-hate relationship, and because of all of that, our family is tough. We have dealt with a lot of adversity, and we don’t quit, and we keep bringing effort,” he added, admiring that his family has produced fighters who work hard to stay in the game and win races.
Jeff is proud every single time someone in his family wins a race. But he is more proud of the fight each of them has put up thus far. “There’s more to do,” he added.
“We’re not done. Jeb’s [Burton] still racing. Harrison’s still racing. I’m still in the sport, and I know Harrison and Jeb are committed and dedicated just like Ward and I were,” said Jeff.
Harrison created history when he won his maiden Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway in 2024. He rounded off the season by reaching the playoffs.
In 2025, Harrison drove for AM Racing in the Xfinity Series and finished 12th in the standings. He is set to drive the No. 24 Toyota for Sam Hunt Racing in 2026. Hopefully, Harrison will live up to his father’s expectations and gain the chops to compete back in the top tier soon.
