In a twist few saw coming, Harrison Burton, who has struggled throughout the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, pulled off a stunning victory at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway. This victory not only marked Burton’s first Cup Series win but also delivered a historic 100th win for the legendary Wood Brothers Racing team.
Burton entered the race as the lowest-ranked full-time driver in the standings, sitting in a distant 34th place with just one top-ten finish all season. The odds were heavily stacked against him, and his future with the team was already in doubt as he is set to lose his ride at the end of the season. However, Daytona’s reputation as a great equalizer on the NASCAR circuit gave Burton a fighting chance, and he seized it with both hands.
The race was chaotic, with massive wrecks that took out playoff hopefuls like Michael McDowell and Josh Berry. But Burton managed to navigate the carnage, positioning himself in the top four as the race headed into overtime. On the final lap, with a push from Parker Retzlaff—driving a car from a different manufacturer—Burton surged past Kyle Busch on the backstretch. He then executed a perfect block on Busch exiting Turn 4, sealing his first Cup Series victory.
The win is not just a personal triumph for Burton but also a monumental achievement for Wood Brothers Racing, one of NASCAR’s most storied teams. The victory ensures that the team, which has been racing since 1950, joins an elite group of teams with triple-digit wins in the Cup Series, including giants like Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing.
Burton’s win was particularly emotional given the challenges he has faced in his NASCAR career. His father, Jeff Burton, a former NASCAR driver and now a commentator for NBC, joined him on the track to celebrate the victory, adding a poignant touch to an already dramatic day.
“I cried my whole cool-down lap,” Burton admitted. “I’ve never cried after a race win in my life. This one means a lot.”
Despite his struggles, Burton’s victory at Daytona has catapulted him into the playoffs, thanks to NASCAR waiving the rule that winners must be in the top 30 in points to qualify. Although his playoff chances remain slim, this win might open doors for him as he closes out his time with Wood Brothers Racing, which plans to replace him with Josh Berry in 2025.
For Wood Brothers Racing, the win is a validation of their enduring presence in the sport. Team co-owner Eddie Wood expressed his pride in reaching the 100-win milestone, especially with a young driver like Burton behind the wheel.
“These races are so hard to win,” Wood said. “It doesn’t matter where they are, whether it’s short tracks, road courses, speedways, whatever it is, they’re hard to win. I don’t really have the words. It just means so much to our team to finally get the other win.”
The win continues Wood Brothers Racing’s legacy of giving young drivers their first taste of victory. Burton joins a list that includes Ryan Blaney, Trevor Bayne, and Elliott Sadler, all of whom earned their maiden wins with the team.
With this victory, Wood Brothers Racing has now won in seven different decades, a feat few teams can match. Their legacy is further solidified by this historic win, ensuring that the #21 car remains a symbol of excellence in NASCAR.
For Harrison Burton, the victory is a dream come true, a moment that validates the years of hard work and struggle. As he looks ahead to the playoffs and beyond, this win will undoubtedly be a defining moment in his career.
Photo from Harrison Burton Instagram
