Harrison Burton and AM Racing prepare for a high-stakes finale in the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series as they approach the Nu Way 200 at World Wide Technology Raceway in Gateway, where their playoff ambitions hinge on securing their spot among the top 12 contenders. In this Harrison Burton Xfinity Gateway Race Preview, intense competition at the famed 1.25-mile oval outside St. Louis will determine whether Burton and his Statesville-based team advance to the postseason.
AM Racing’s 2025 Campaign and New Partnerships
As AM Racing embarks on its third season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, the team has made significant moves by bringing in Harrison Burton as the full-time driver for their No. 25 Ford Mustang. After three seasons in the NASCAR Cup Series, Burton returns to the Xfinity circuit, aiming to leverage his experience and an established connection with Ford.
DEX Imaging, known as the nation’s largest independent dealer of document imaging technology, continues its enduring relationship with Burton and will appear on the AM Racing Mustang in a co-branded role alongside Dead On Tools for the Gateway race. DEX Imaging boasts a team renowned for technical expertise, striving to lower customer costs and enhance productivity. Dead On Tools, headquartered in the Midwest, brings a reputation for innovation and high-quality work gear, marking its debut as a major AM Racing partner for this campaign.
These partnerships extend beyond branding, reflecting the widespread support from companies such as AirBox, Blue Wolf Cleaner & Degreasers, Eagle Rentals, Flying Circle, Mechanix Wear, Morton Buildings, Racing Radios, Volt Batteries, and WIX Filters, each playing a critical role in AM Racing’s ongoing efforts and aspirations.
The Stakes at World Wide Technology Raceway
As the regular season crescendo approaches on the night of September 6, 2025, the Nu Way 200 at Gateway stands as the last regular-season race to set the 12-driver playoff grid. Burton enters the event in 12th place, holding a 31-point margin over his cousin Jeb Burton of Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport. While Ryan Sieg and the RSS Racing team are further back, they cannot be completely dismissed should unexpected events alter the points scenario.
Every lap, pit stop, and strategic decision will be magnified, as the battle for the final playoff berths remains fierce. For Burton and the No. 25 AM Racing Ford Mustang, staying disciplined while balancing aggressive moves could be the difference between continuing their championship pursuit and an early end to their season.
Gateway: New Grounds for Burton with Familiar Challenges
The upcoming event will mark Harrison Burton’s debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway. Although the series hasn’t raced at the venue since 2010, Burton is no stranger to its demanding layout, having competed in three NASCAR Cup Series races there. In those outings for Wood Brothers Racing, he completed 727 of 728 possible laps, demonstrating his consistency on the 1.25-mile oval. His best Cup Series finish at Gateway was 23rd in the 2023 Enjoy Illinois 300, where he started 14th.
The combination of experience, consistency, and adaptability gives Burton and the AM Racing crew—led by crew chief Danny Efland and spotter Kevin Hamlin—a strong foundation as they approach their first Xfinity race at the track. Efland, a veteran race engineer and former driver, will be overseeing his 30th Xfinity Series race as crew chief, debuting in this leadership role at Gateway.
Reviewing Harrison Burton’s Racing Achievements
Over his NASCAR Xfinity Series career, Harrison Burton has started 100 races, secured four victories—all during the 2020 season—and achieved 28 top-five and 58 top-10 finishes. Twice, he finished eighth in the championship standings (2020 and 2021). Beyond the Xfinity Series, Burton has competed in 109 NASCAR Cup Series starts, 40 Truck Series events, and 52 races across the ARCA Menards Series, building a well-rounded resume.
Among his notable wins in the Xfinity Series are triumphs at Auto Club Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway, and Martinsville Speedway. He maintains a career Xfinity average finishing position of 12.4, underscoring a record of consistent competitive performances that aligns with the demands of a playoff-chasing team.
Recent Performance and the Playoff Battle
The penultimate event at Portland International Raceway presented a tough challenge for Burton and the AM Racing team. Starting from the back after an unapproved adjustment, Burton climbed into the top 20, only to be spun twice during Stage 2. Despite setbacks, he maneuvered through two overtime restarts to secure a 12th-place finish, preserving his buffer above the playoff cutline.
These hard-fought results underscore the intensity and unpredictability faced by playoff hopefuls, especially in the closing races of the regular season. As the competition heads to Gateway, every point and position becomes even more vital for those teetering on the playoff bubble.
AM Racing’s Track Record on Larger Circuits
Gateway represents uncharted territory for AM Racing in the Xfinity Series. However, the organization has completed 48 series starts on tracks longer than one mile, achieving one top-five and eight top-10 results, with an average finish of 19.1. The team‘s resilience and development this season have been pivotal in keeping them in playoff contention as they chase another strong finish on one of NASCAR’s most distinctive tracks.
Insights from Harrison Burton and Crew
Reflecting on the unique challenges of Gateway, Burton shared his optimism and tactical focus ahead of the race. Speaking about his preparation, he said:
“That experience should definitely help as we go back with our AM Racing team. We know how critical this race is for our Playoff hopes, and I believe if we can put together a smart, solid night, we’ll be in good shape to accomplish our goal.”
—Harrison Burton, Driver
Emphasizing strategic nuances, he noted:
“If we can do those things and stay out of trouble, I think we’ll put ourselves in position for a strong night.”
—Harrison Burton, Driver
On the significance of this deciding race, Burton stated:
“I’m excited to go out there under the lights, represent our partners and hopefully punch our ticket into the postseason.”
—Harrison Burton, Driver
When asked about his mindset approaching the playoff cutline, Burton remarked:
“At the same time, we know nothing is guaranteed, so it’s about staying locked in, running our race and doing everything we can to make sure we close out the regular season on the right side of the Playoffs.”
—Harrison Burton, Driver
He reflected on the recent Portland race and the resilience shown by his crew:
“Those kinds of days are what keep us in the Playoff hunt, and hopefully that fight carries over into Gateway, where we can finish the regular season strong.”
—Harrison Burton, Driver
Looking ahead, Burton expressed confidence in his team’s prospects for the remainder of the season:
“We’ve got a great group of people and partners who continue to believe in what we’re building. Nothing would mean more to me than delivering AM Racing its first Xfinity Series win, locking into the Playoffs, and making a serious run at the championship.”
—Harrison Burton, Driver
Nu Way 200: Race Logistics and Anticipated Action
The Nu Way 200 Sauced by Blues Hog, encompassing 160 laps (200 miles), marks the 26th race in a 33-event Xfinity calendar this year. On Friday, September 5, practice takes place from 4:05 to 4:55 p.m., with qualifying at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 6. The field is set for a 6:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. ET) green flag, with coverage on The CW Network, the Motor Racing Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90.
Harrison Burton and the AM Racing crew will rely on the preparation and determination demonstrated throughout the season, striving to secure a strong result that cements their place in the playoffs. Their experience, coupled with valuable partnerships and a motivated team, positions them well as they navigate both familiar and novel obstacles at Gateway.
What Lies Ahead for Burton, AM Racing, and the Playoff Field
As the pressure mounts at World Wide Technology Raceway, Harrison Burton seeks to solidify his postseason status with AM Racing in a season marked by resilience and steady improvement. Their efforts at Gateway not only impact immediate playoff prospects but could serve as a springboard for greater triumphs in the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series campaign. With the support of DEX Imaging, Dead On Tools, and a host of dedicated partners, Burton and his team remain steadfast, ready to meet the challenge and carry their momentum into the most crucial part of the season.
