Harrison Burton delivered a remarkable performance at the 2024 Coke Zero Sugar 400 in Daytona, clinching his first-ever NASCAR Cup Series win with an unforgettable last-lap move. Burton’s victory, now dubbed the Harrison Burton Daytona 2024 victory, also secured him a coveted playoff spot and cemented a historic milestone for Wood Brothers Racing.
Burton Captures Milestone Win in Dramatic Overtime Showdown
The electrifying Daytona race saw 23-year-old Harrison Burton battle through overtime, making his defining move right beside Kyle Busch after the final restart. Supported by a crucial push from Parker Retzlaff heading into the last turn, Burton surged ahead of Busch, seizing control at the perfect moment. His final-lap maneuver sealed not only a personal triumph but marked the 100th win for Wood Brothers Racing, an iconic moment recognized immediately by commentator Leigh Diffey. The drama was heightened by Diffey’s emotional acknowledgment of Burton’s lineage, connecting the win to his father, Jeff Burton.
As the checkered flag waved and Burton crossed the finish line just ahead of Busch, celebrations erupted in victory lane. The joyous moment continued over the radio as Jeff Burton, former NASCAR driver and commentator, congratulated his son. The contest, featuring an intense field with 16 different leaders and 40 changes at the front, reached its climax with Burton’s extraordinary timing.
“He gets back up, comes to the line, Jeff, your little boy has done it! Harrison Burton wins in Daytona and does what his uncle and dad did.”
— Leigh Diffey, commentator
Reflection on Season’s Progress and Xfinity Series Return
Following his high-profile win, Harrison Burton’s 2025 NASCAR season has unfolded as a journey marked by effort and growth. While his Cup Series triumph was a headline moment, much of his year has focused on steady performances in the Xfinity Series, where he has returned to compete for AM Racing. Burton has achieved a pair of top-five finishes and ten top-10 results, placing him solidly in the middle of the standings. Despite showing flashes of competitiveness, he has yet to record a second win or earn a playoff qualification in the Xfinity competition this season.
Embracing Change After Parting with Wood Brothers Racing
Harrison Burton has spoken candidly about his departure from Wood Brothers Racing, a team he parted with before his surprise Daytona win. According to Burton, the change allowed him to refocus and drive with a renewed sense of personal direction, which translated into stronger on-track results and ultimately victory in a landmark race. As he reflected on this transitional period and its challenges, Burton expressed gratitude for the growth it brought to his racing career.
“I’ve been up front with AM since beginning, and they want this for me to hopefully wonder and get back to the Cup Series. It wasn’t the run I wanted. I have a sour taste in my mouth from that, and I feel like I’m capable.” [01:00 onwards]
— Harrison Burton, driver
So kind of an awkward taste in my mouth right to leave after winning, and have to watch the Daytona 500 on TV was one of the hardest, probably one of the hardest days of my life. So definitely hungry to get back, but also focused on the now and understanding that I have an amazing opportunity with an amazing group of people in an amazing series.”
— Harrison Burton, driver
Despite leaving Wood Brothers Racing after three years, Burton has maintained a constructive relationship with the organization. This reflects both his maturity and the positive culture within the team, even following difficult decisions and transitions.
Significance of the Victory and What Lies Ahead
Harrison Burton’s dramatic win at Daytona stands as both a personal breakthrough and a key achievement in NASCAR history, particularly for Wood Brothers Racing, now with 100 wins to its name. The manner of the victory — overcoming tough competition, the last-lap move, and family significance — has resonated with NASCAR fans and the Daytona audience. As the season continues, Burton’s story remains one of perseverance and potential, with his focus likely shifting to building on his Cup Series momentum and striving for consistent success in both the Cup and Xfinity series.
With figures like Parker Retzlaff and Kyle Busch factoring into the dynamic race, and commentary from voices such as Leigh Diffey capturing the emotion of the moment, Harrison Burton’s win is expected to inspire fellow drivers and enthusiasts alike. As he navigates the next chapters of his career, the impact of his Daytona achievement—and the lessons from his journey with AM Racing and Wood Brothers Racing—will shape his growth on and off the racetrack.
🗨️: "I've been up front with AM Racing since the beginning, and they want this for me, too, is for me to, hopefully, one day get back to Cup."@HBurtonRacing has brought AM Racing from P32 in Owner Points ('24) into the Playoffs, a rally that has raised Burton's stock.#NASCAR pic.twitter.com/bzdQx6uNft
— Joseph Srigley (@joe_srigley) September 9, 2025
