If you are still in shock after what Harrison Burton was able to do this past weekend. You are certainly not alone. Daytona International Speedway has always had famed winners and shocking winners. That’s exactly what Burton did as he pulled the ultimate upset. The NASCAR 2024 playoffs will be very different with the No.21 of Burton involved.
Burton entered the Coke Zero Sugar 400 34th in the overall point standings which was last amongst Full-Time Cup Series drivers. Say what you want about Austin Dillon winning a race from 30th or so in the points, but this win by Burton was far more shocking. It’s probably the biggest upset in the history of the NASCAR playoff system. Does he have a legit shot to compete for the Championship, probably not. However, it was the highest of the highs for a young driver who doesn’t have an announced future in the Cup Series.
HARRISON BURTON IS A NASCAR CUP SERIES WINNER!!! pic.twitter.com/6nxp8b8rBf
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) August 25, 2024
Harrison Burton Pulls Ultimate Upset, Gets 100th Win for Wood Brothers
Burton’s victory was significant in a lot of ways. It was his first career cup win. He joins his Dad Jeff Burton, and Uncle Ward as a winner at the famed World Center of Racing. If that isn’t enough history in itself, the win also marked the 100th victory for the Historic Wood Brothers team.
Finally, a nearly nine-year drought was snapped by Burton. Wood Brothers Racing last won with Ryan Blaney in 2017 at Pocono. As for how the moment felt, Burton was certainly overcome with emotion when interviewed after getting out of the car.
” I don’t know I cried the whole victory lap, obviously got fired from this job and I wanted to do everything I for the Wood Brothers I could,” Burton said. “They have gave me an amazing opportunity in life and to get them 100 on my way out is amazing, we’re in the playoffs now, let’s go to Darlington and see what happens.”
The emotions were high for the whole Burton Family, as Jeff got to call his son home for the win. It certainly felt very similar to the famous moment in the 1993 Daytona 500 when Ned Jarrett called his son Dale home for the win in that race. Family remains special in NASCAR, and that’s great to see.
How Does It Affect the Playoffs
With Burton now in the field of 16 for the playoffs, Darlington becomes very important. Some big names now find themselves below the cutline including Bubba Wallace and Ross Chastain. Wallace has been in this situation plenty of times and it will be interesting to see how he races this week. As for Chastain, ever since going to Trackhouse Racing in 2022, he has been a part of the NASCAR playoffs.
Last chance to make the #NASCARPlayoffs: @TooToughToTame. pic.twitter.com/t4uG7VElun
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) August 26, 2024
His chances appear very thin. Three spots remain heading into the Southern 500, with Martin Truex Jr, Ty Gibbs and Chris Buescher currently holding them. Daytona provided a surprise winner, and two-time Cup Champion Kyle Busch is still waiting in the weeds. The fight for those spots will be highly contested throughout Sunday’s race, and we are all here for that drama.
Burton’s Future Still Remains in Question
While getting that first Cup win is huge, there is still a big question about Harrison’s Cup future. As the whole sport knows, Josh Berry will be taking over the No.21 in 2025, so what’s next for Burton? He went out and proved he belonged in the Cup Series, he beat Busch fair and square. Nothing has been said about Burton’s future not even speculation, but someone has to give him a chance now. The Burton Family is good for the sport. Hope you land on your feet Harrison, you certainly defied the odds at Daytona.
