Harrison Burton earned his first Xfinity Series pole at Martinsville Speedway on Saturday evening, clocking a fast lap in the No. 25 AM Racing Ford Mustang that made him the top qualifier for the IAA and Ritchie Bros. 250. This milestone adds to Burton’s growing list of achievements as he positions himself at the forefront of the Xfinity field during a pivotal moment in the 2025 season, marking a high point for the Harrison Burton Xfinity Series pole pursuit.
Burton’s Record-Setting Qualifying Performance
Competing on the demanding half-mile Martinsville oval in Virginia, Burton recorded a lap time of 19.843 seconds at a speed of 95.429 mph, narrowly edging Carson Kvapil by two thousandths of a second. This pole marks the first of Burton’s Xfinity Series career, coming in his 107th start. The achievement is widely viewed as a breakthrough, especially following a major announcement earlier in the day about his upcoming move to Sam Hunt Racing in 2026, where he will drive the No. 24 Toyota GR Supra.
Competitive Field Awaits IAA and Ritchie Bros. 250
With Burton leading the line-up, the IAA and Ritchie Bros. 250 promises an exciting contest as it serves as the second-to-last race of the season. Competition remains fierce among playoff contenders such as Justin Allgaier, Sheldon Creed, and Aric Almirola, as well as other hopefuls fighting for spots in the Championship 4. The top five drivers in Saturday’s qualifying—Harrison Burton, Carson Kvapil, Aric Almirola, Justin Allgaier, and Sheldon Creed—underscore the deep talent present at the event.
Key Storylines and What Fans Can Expect
The green flag for the IAA and Ritchie Bros. 250 will wave just after 7:30 p.m. ET on the CW Network, with stage breaks scheduled at 60, 120, and 250 laps to strategically shape the race. Burton’s accomplishment comes on the same day as his career-defining transition announcement with Sam Hunt Racing, joining Dean Thompson who was also named to a full-time role for 2026, indicating a shift in the competitive landscape for upcoming seasons. Event sponsors such as IAA and Ritchie Bros., along with Toyota and GAZOO Racing, are prominently involved in what has become a headline event for fans and participants.
As Burton prepares to battle both veteran rivals and emerging talent, his pole position at Martinsville is expected to bring extra excitement and focus from viewers and competitors, potentially influencing the path to the Championship 4 and the outcome of the closing races in the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season.
