Harrison Burton leaves AM Racing following a notable run into the NASCAR Xfinity Series playoffs, marking a significant transition for both Burton and the team after a season of progress. The decision was confirmed after AM Racing issued a statement from their Statesville, North Carolina base, disclosing Burton’s departure for the 2026 season.
Burton, having endured a turbulent period after being released by Wood Brothers Racing due to underperformance, rebounded by clinching a crucial Daytona victory. This late win propelled him into the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, despite being positioned at the very bottom of the full-time points rankings earlier in the year. Meanwhile, AM Racing experienced change within its team as well, with the departure of Hailie Deegan and a series of different drivers rotating through the car, ultimately resulting in a 32nd place finish in the Xfinity Series regular season points.
The partnership between Harrison Burton and AM Racing during the current season has been a turning point for both parties. Their collaboration led to a berth in the 12-driver Xfinity Series playoffs, achieved on points alone, a milestone viewed as an impressive accomplishment given the team’s recent struggles. This playoff appearance provided a highlight in a year of rebuilding for AM Racing, underscoring the significance of the effort that both the driver and team invested.
Both AM Racing and Burton have indicated that they will reveal their plans for the future at an upcoming date, as anticipation builds about their next steps within NASCAR and the Xfinity Series. The developments reflect the dynamic nature of racing careers and team compositions in the sport, with Statesville once again becoming a focal point for NASCAR news. As Burton moves on from AM Racing, the impact of this season’s turnaround and the potential paths ahead remain topics of interest for fans and the racing community.
