Harrison Burton captured one of NASCAR’s most dramatic victories last year at Daytona, a win described by legendary Hendrick Motorsports crew chief Steve Letarte as a “surreal moment” during the second season of the Netflix series Full Speed. As Burton crossed the finish line to secure his maiden triumph at the iconic Daytona oval, Letarte was in the booth alongside Leigh Diffey and Jeff Burton, the latter visibly overjoyed as his son claimed his first Cup Series win. The emotion in the call and in the stands underscored the historic nature of the moment, with Harrison Burton’s family and girlfriend celebrating from the pit box.
Leading up to this decisive race, Harrison Burton’s future seemed uncertain. Wood Brothers Racing had already confirmed Josh Berry as Burton’s replacement for 2025, while the 24-year-old driver struggled near the bottom of the standings, placing 34th ahead of the event. Yet, against expectations and under immense pressure, Harrison Burton delivered a career-defining performance at the 2.5-mile superspeedway, holding off Cup veteran Kyle Busch to claim his spot in NASCAR history. Notably, the victory also marked the 100th win for Wood Brothers Racing, amplifying its significance for the team and for the Burton family.
On Full Speed, Letarte shared how unique it was to witness Jeff Burton react on air as his son triumphed, creating a deeply personal and unforgettable broadcast.
“It was just a surreal moment to sit next to your friend, to see his son win,”
Letarte recounted, reflecting widespread admiration for Harrison Burton’s resilience. As the cameras panned to his mother, Kim Burton, and girlfriend, Jenna Petty, both were seen cheering in unity, capturing the joy that comes with a long-awaited victory.
Despite the emotional high at Daytona, Harrison Burton’s Cup Series journey remained turbulent. Exiting the playoffs after the first round, he ultimately finished 16th in the standings. However, this solid result provided a much-needed financial boost for Wood Brothers Racing. With the announcement of his departure from the team, Harrison Burton soon revealed his move to the Xfinity Series with AM Racing for 2025. In his words on Full Speed, the run in Cup had been a trial by fire, with Burton admitting reality had hit him “like a ton of bricks.”
Jeff Burton, himself a 21-time Cup Series winner, also appeared on the docu-series, offering perspective on his son’s struggles and growth. He emphasized that while the Cup ride was difficult, Harrison Burton’s return to the Xfinity ranks offers a valuable chance for development and renewed confidence. Already, Harrison Burton is off to a promising start in his new venture, tallying six top-10 finishes in the opening 12 events of the season.
The ripple effects of Harrison Burton’s Daytona breakthrough stretch far beyond personal pride. His win served as a pivotal moment for Wood Brothers Racing and generated optimism throughout the garage. As coverage continues on Netflix’s Full Speed, the racing world remains attentive to Harrison Burton’s next chapter, eager to see if this resurgence in the Xfinity Series can propel him back to the pinnacle of NASCAR competition.
