Wood Brothers Racing achieved a historic milestone at Daytona in 2024, claiming their 100th NASCAR Cup Series win in a dramatic turn of events that left both the team and its fans celebrating, yet conflicted. The prestigious victory arrived under unique circumstances, with Harrison Burton—already informed he would not return to the team—delivering the breakthrough on the sport’s biggest stage, wrapping a season filled with uncertainty in an unexpected layer of emotion.
The legendary team, guided by Jon Wood, has navigated decades of racing highs and lows. Once a driver himself, Jon Wood transitioned to president of Wood Brothers Racing after stepping away from full-time competition in 2008. His decision to focus on strengthening the team above personal ambitions shaped the culture that stands today. Reflecting on the team’s legacy, Jon Wood’s leadership always prioritized the group’s success, making the 100th win especially meaningful, yet complicated by recent changes.
Wood Brothers Racing’s path to this landmark wasn’t smooth. Following the era of Bill Elliott and Trevor Bayne’s 2011 Daytona 500 win, the team brought in Ryan Blaney, whose 2017 Pocono victory etched the 99th Cup win. When Blaney moved on to Team Penske, the team looked to Harrison Burton, a promising young driver, to continue building their legacy. Burton joined in 2022, following a solid Xfinity Series campaign, yet struggled to match the team’s storied competitive history, registering only one top-five and four top-ten finishes—until his Daytona triumph in 2024.
The circumstances surrounding this 100th victory could hardly be more complex. The team had decided midway through the 2024 season not to renew Burton’s contract, setting the stage for Josh Berry, of Stewart-Haas Racing, to step in for 2025. As the news settled in, Burton delivered the performance many had hoped for all along, capturing a coveted win at one of NASCAR’s most famous tracks. The timing of the achievement sparked intense and mixed feelings among the team’s leadership.
Jon Wood, while celebrations erupted on pit road, remained on the pit box, conflicted about what had just occurred. Turning to Team Manager Jefferson Hodges, he questioned,
“Is this how I’m supposed to feel? Am I supposed to feel weird about this? Am I supposed to be struggling with this?”
He reflected on the magnitude of the moment, sharing,
“It was a weird feeling… Because for years, people have played this 100th win up like it’s just monumental… I wasn’t expecting it… I was a little bit conflicted.”
His honest admission captured the bittersweet mood of the victory.
For Burton, the win sparked a blend of satisfaction and disappointment. His drive at Daytona represented a career highlight, while simultaneously arriving too late to alter his future with Wood Brothers Racing. Reflecting on his journey, Burton said,
“Obviously, I wanted to do more and wanted to do more sooner. I really think if I run the way I [did] the last half of this season earlier, I keep my job. That’s a part of racing. It’s performing when it matters and performing before the silly season starts.”
His commentary underscores the unforgiving nature of motorsports, where timing and performance carry immense weight.
Following the Daytona win and subsequent team changes, Burton’s path will continue in the Xfinity Series with AM Racing, set to drive the #25 Ford full-time. His stint with Wood Brothers Racing, though shaped by challenges, will be remembered for delivering on a personal and organizational goal—a Cup win with the team, despite falling short of broader expectations.
The 100th win places Wood Brothers Racing in rare company among NASCAR’s most storied organizations, cementing its legacy while highlighting the unpredictability and emotional intensity of the sport. As the team prepares to welcome a new driver and turn another chapter, the lasting impact of this milestone—and its conflicted circumstances—will linger, offering lessons in both celebration and resilience.
