Jeb Burton goes from unemployed to Cup ride with BK Racing
Monday morning at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Jeb Burton was officially introduced as BK Racing's newest Sprint Cup Series driver.
Burton, the son of 2002 Daytona 500 winner Ward Burton, will drive the No. 26 Toyota Camry will crew chief Patrick Donahue calling the shots.
The 22-year-old will run the full Sprint Cup Series season in the No. 26 Toyota and contend for the Rookie of the Year Award. Burton's planned 2015 ride in the Camping World Truck Series fell through less than two weeks ago, and he thought he might have to sit out the season.
"We are very lucky to have a great, young talented driver like Jeb Burton in one of our NASCAR Sprint Cup cars," said team co-owner Anthony Marlowe. "It was important for us to find full-time anchor drivers for this season that are experienced and team-oriented. Jeb's success in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series along with his family's history in the sport makes his emergence into Cup a great story. The story, which also includes having a strong shot at winning Sunoco Rookie of the Year in 2015, has already proven to be very marketable. I look forward to seeing Jeb behind the wheel of the No. 26 Toyota Camry very soon. I think he is going to do great in the Daytona 500."
During his time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Burton recorded one victory, seven top fives, 19 top 10s and seven poles. The second-generation driver is eager to get his start in the Daytona 500, and possibly follow in his father's footsteps.
"I am so thankful for the opportunity that BK Racing has given me," said Burton. "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. I am looking forward to making the 500, providing the best possible finish I can by running and racing hard every lap this season. I also look forward to competing for the 2015 title of Rookie of the Year. Each week, I will be concentrating on finishing on the lead lap and learning as much as possible."
In addition to Jeb joining the organization, Ward will also work with BK Racing as a team ambassador throughout the 2015 season.
During Monday's announcement, BK Racing also indicated they would run four cars throughout the 2015 Sprint Cup season, with Matt DiBenedetto hired to drive on a part-time basis.
So blessed for this opportunity to drive in the @NASCAR Sprint cup series for @BKRacing_2383. This is a dream come true my family and I. ??
— Jeb Burton (@JebBurtonRacing) February 9, 2015
