Harrison Burton’s recent announcement of his departure from AM Racing at the end of the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season has ignited widespread speculation about a possible toyota/”>Toyota reunion in the coming years. These Harrison Burton Toyota reunion rumors have intensified as reports hint at a potential full-time drive with Sam Hunt Racing for the 2026 season.
Burton’s Sudden Departure Sets Off Speculation
Burton confirmed he will leave AM Racing after the current season, stating he will no longer pilot the #25 ford/”>Ford in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. This unexpected move follows a season where he ran competitively and has led to many industry observers connecting the dots between his exit and a potential comeback with Toyota.
Following the news, DailyDownForce shared details pointing to ongoing negotiations between the experienced driver and the Toyota camp for a full-time opportunity alongside Sam Hunt Racing. Burton previously competed as a rookie in both the Xfinity and Cup Series under the Toyota banner, but as yet, there is no officially signed agreement between him, Sam Hunt Racing, or Toyota for 2026.
“Burton’s departure may lead to a reunion with Toyota for the series veteran. Our sources at the Daily Downforce confirm that Burton is working out a deal to return to the Toyota camp to race full-time with Sam Hunt Racing in the 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season.”
— Daily Downforce, Source
Previous Successes Driving for Toyota and Ford
Harrison Burton first entered the Xfinity Series with Joe Gibbs Racing, taking the wheel of the #18 Toyota for nine races before earning a full-time role in 2020. He found further success driving JGR’s #20 Toyota through the 2020 and 2021 seasons. During this period, Burton developed a reputation as a skilled competitor, sharpening his talents that would carry into future Cup Series opportunities.
In 2021, Burton made his Cup Series debut with Gaunt Brothers Racing, piloting the #96 Toyota. Soon after, the Huntersville native transitioned to Ford machinery with Wood Brothers Racing during the 2022 season. Over three years with the team, he drove the #21 Ford in 108 races and earned his first Cup Series victory at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 held at Daytona International Speedway. Burton’s stats for Wood Brothers Racing also include two top-five finishes, six top-tens, and leading 73 laps.
After his tenure with Wood Brothers Racing concluded, Burton signed with AM Racing for the 2025 Xfinity Series campaign, driving the #25 Ford. In 29 starts so far this season, he has achieved ten top-ten placements, two top fives, and led 31 laps, maintaining an average finish of 14.759.
Emotional Fallout from Previous Team Separation
Earlier this year, before the opening postseason race in the Xfinity Series, Burton took part in an interview with motorsports journalist Joseph Srigley. During this discussion, he reflected honestly on his feelings regarding the end of his relationship with Wood Brothers Racing. Despite capturing a significant Cup Series win at Daytona and putting up solid results, Burton was let go by the team and replaced by Josh Berry for the 2025 season. Sharing his emotional reaction and perspective on his future, Harrison Burton 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 Present Performance and Outlook
After leaving Wood Brothers Racing, Harrison Burton wrapped up the 2024 season 16th in the Xfinity Series standings. His performance included one win, a single top-five, two top-ten results, and 13 laps led. His average starting position throughout the season was 24.5, demonstrating resilience as he navigated significant professional changes.
With these latest Harrison Burton Toyota reunion rumors, attention now turns to whether the popular driver will indeed return to the manufacturer where he first made his name, and if a deal can be finalized with Sam Hunt Racing ahead of the 2026 season. As anticipation builds, the outcome promises to reshape the Xfinity Series driver lineup and could mark the start of an important new chapter for both Burton and his potential future team.
