Harrison Burton will drive the No. 24 Toyota for Sam Hunt Racing in the 2026 NASCAR Xfinity Series, marking a new chapter for both Burton and the team as the series transitions to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. This move follows Burton’s departure from AM Racing and comes as he seeks to build on his experience and past successes with Toyota, the manufacturer with which he previously enjoyed significant achievements.
Harrison Burton Begins a New Chapter with Sam Hunt Racing
Recently, Harrison Burton announced that he will leave AM Racing at the end of the current NASCAR Xfinity Series season. Burton, who is currently ranked 12th in the championship points, returned to the second-level series this year after three seasons competing at the Cup level for Wood Brothers Racing. Although he found it challenging to secure consistent success in the premier series, a surprise victory at Daytona in 2024 afforded him a precious playoff spot.
During his tenure with AM Racing, Burton contributed to a substantial improvement in the team’s performance, elevating their championship standing by an impressive 20 positions compared to the previous season. This demonstrated his ability to positively impact a team’s results over the course of a single year.
Returning to Toyota Roots in the Xfinity Series
The 2026 season will see Burton reunite with Toyota, the manufacturer where he earned all of his NASCAR Xfinity Series victories. His remarkable performance in the 2020 season for Joe Gibbs Racing included four race wins, showcasing his strength in the series and his compatibility with Toyota vehicles.
Sam Hunt Racing Expands its Program
Sam Hunt Racing has confirmed plans to field two full-time cars in the upcoming season. Harrison Burton will pilot the No. 24, while Dean Thompson will remain in the No. 26 entry. Thompson, who did not qualify for the playoffs this year, currently holds 16th place in the driver rankings. The team has rotated several drivers in its second car during the season, accumulating 17 starts with diverse talent behind the wheel.
Although Sam Hunt Racing has not yet claimed a race victory, it has accumulated 13 top-five finishes and 35 top-ten results over the last seven years, signaling consistent performance and the potential for further progress with Burton’s addition to the team’s driver roster.
What the Move Means for the Upcoming Season
Burton’s arrival at Sam Hunt Racing brings experience from both the Cup and Xfinity Series and a proven track record with Toyota, raising hopes for better results and the possibility of breaking the team’s winless streak. The newly renamed NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Sam Hunt Racing’s growth to two full-time cars represents a significant moment for the organization, with key figures such as Dean Thompson and Harrison Burton steering its direction. As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on how these changes impact the team’s competitive standing in the world of NASCAR.
