Harrison Burton leaves AM Racing after less than a year with the NASCAR Xfinity Series team, a decision publicized by Jayski on social media in 2026. The move reflects major changes in AM Racing’s lineup, coming soon after his high-profile addition as the main driver of their Ford Mustang.
Departure Announced and AM Racing’s Recent Changes
Brought into AM Racing at the end of 2024, Harrison Burton was intended to lead the team’s progress in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Burton had previously spent three years at Wood Brothers Racing in the Cup Series, where his performances ranged from inconsistent finishes to a career-first Cup win at Daytona International Speedway in 2024. After replacing a roster of short-term drivers and following the team’s split with Hailie Deegan earlier that year, AM Racing saw his signing as a chance to turn over a new leaf.
Jayski confirmed the news of his exit, noting both Burton and AM Racing will announce their respective 2026 plans in the future. The official word was shared on the X platform, stating,
“Harrison Burton won’t return to AM Racing next year. Both Burton and the team will announce their 2026 plans at a later date.”
— Jayski.
The deal was expected to benefit both sides—Burton was seen as a steady and ambitious competitor, while AM Racing sought a new chapter after parting ways with previous drivers. At the time of his agreement, Burton stated the team matched his drive for success and improvement, describing AM Racing as a group looking to,
“get better and do things the right way.”
— NASCAR.com
Performance in the Xfinity Series and Season Outcomes
During the 2025 Xfinity season, Burton consistently finished in the top half of the field. He currently holds 12th place in the points standings, earning ten top-10 results and two top-five finishes in 29 races, while leading 31 laps. With an average finish of 14.8, these solid numbers fell somewhat short of the high hopes attached to Burton’s recruitment at the start of the partnership.
Despite these efforts, an early victory in the Xfinity Series has eluded him, and the overall partnership may not have fully delivered on initial expectations. Burton’s prior Xfinity experience included winning four races for Joe Gibbs Racing between 2019 and 2021, making the lack of further wins a notable point. With the announcement of his departure, both he and AM Racing have opted to keep their upcoming career plans under wraps, promising more information soon.
Reflecting on His Cup Series Tenure and Aspirations
Just before the announcement of his exit from AM Racing, Harrison Burton shared candid thoughts about his time with Wood Brothers Racing and the transition that followed. In discussion with NASCAR analyst Joseph Srigley ahead of the playoff opener, Burton addressed the difficult feelings surrounding his departure from the Cup Series, emphasizing the passion and disappointment involved. He remarked,
“I’ve been up front with AM since the beginning, and they want this for me too. It is 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.”
— Harrison Burton, Driver
Burton’s Cup debut took place in 2021 with Gaunt Brothers Racing at Talladega, before he became a full-time driver for Wood Brothers in the No. 21 Ford. Over the course of three Cup seasons, he made 109 starts, notching his first and only win at Daytona in 2024 alongside two top-five and six top-10 finishes. Yet after the 2024 season, Wood Brothers Racing opted not to continue the partnership, prompting Burton’s move to AM Racing.
He also spoke about the personal toll of not competing at Daytona after his exit, saying,
“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 I’m 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
Next Steps and the Broader NASCAR Landscape
Harrison Burton’s current goal remains a return to the Cup Series, though he also maintains his commitment to his role in Xfinity for the remainder of the season. The circumstances of his exits from both Wood Brothers Racing and now AM Racing highlight the intense competition and dynamic nature of driver lineups in modern NASCAR. With drivers like Hailie Deegan also affected by changes at AM Racing, and high expectations from teams such as Joe Gibbs Racing and industry figures like Chris Medland, opportunities and pressure within the series are significant.
Industry watchers and fans are now focused on future announcements from both Burton and AM Racing, which could shape lineups for upcoming seasons. Burton’s passion and established track record—paired with his desire to compete at the highest levels in NASCAR—continue to make him a driver of interest as the sport moves into its next chapter.
