Harrison Burton’s NASCAR career hit a new high with his recent Daytona win, drawing strong emotions from his mother, Kim Burton, who has witnessed both her son and husband achieve racing milestones. The Burtons, deeply rooted in the sport for decades, continue to leave their mark at the highest levels, carrying forward a family tradition built on resilience and mutual support.
The Burtons’ Journey Through NASCAR’s Top Ranks
Jeff Burton’s steady ascent in NASCAR saw him progress from the Truck Series to the Nationwide Series before reaching the Cup Series, where he earned lasting recognition. Throughout the twists of his racing career, Jeff never navigated the journey alone. Kim Burton, his partner since her early teens, stood by his side long before NASCAR fame entered their lives. Together since Kim was fourteen, the couple shared every challenge and victory, supporting one another through racing’s uncertainties and the spotlight’s pressures.
Now, their son, Harrison, has continued this legacy, competing across multiple NASCAR levels. At 25, Harrison has not only reached the Cup Series but has also remained active in the Xfinity Series, furthering the Burton legacy and family presence throughout NASCAR’s divisions.
Kim Burton Reflects on Emotional Racing Milestones
Kim Burton described the transformative moments of watching both her husband and her son succeed on racing’s grandest stages. Appearing on Samantha Busch’s Certified Oversharer podcast, Kim shared just how powerful these experiences have been.
“The very first cup race Jeff won was unreal. I can’t even describe it because I don’t think that you ever think it’s gonna happen. You know what I mean? It’s so hard. And then when it does, it’s just like, oh my gosh, this is surreal. And then the exact same feeling almost even more for Harrison, when he won that Daytona Cup race.”
— Kim Burton, wife and mother
The Weight of Triumph and the Cost of Racing
For Kim, each win comes with a deep awareness of the perils drivers face. Watching her husband and son climb into their race cars always reminded her of the sport’s inherent risks. Celebrating from atop the pit box, Kim often found herself overwhelmed by the magnitude of their achievements, knowing the danger both men willingly embraced on the road to victory lane.
“I on the top of the pit box screaming and jumping and you’re just so happy for them. You know all that they put in the danger they’ve lived through. And finally it’s something amazing happened and Harrison had three really bad years in cup not really bad but they were hard… he didn’t have the success that we thought he could or he thought he could.”
— Kim Burton, wife and mother
Overcoming Adversity and Proving Potential
Harrison’s win at the 2024 Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona was a pivotal moment for the family. Kim described the victory as a culmination of perseverance, emphasizing that racing success often depends on more than talent alone. Years of tough competition in the Cup Series made the Daytona triumph even sweeter, reinforcing Kim’s long-standing belief in Harrison’s potential to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
Family Support at the Heart of Success
Beyond checkered flags and trophies, Kim credits the family’s strength to their commitment to compromise and their constant encouragement of one another’s ambitions. The Burtons’ dynamic thrives on celebrating each individual’s achievements, whether on the racetrack or in personal pursuits. For example, Kim’s own passion for competitive horseback riding has been met with enthusiasm and support by Jeff, much as she has stood behind his career.
The Ongoing Impact of the Burton Family on NASCAR
As the Burtons continue to compete and inspire, their story stands as a testament to dedication, sacrifice, and the enduring power of family within the NASCAR world. Harrison Burton’s NASCAR career is shaping a new chapter not only for himself but for a family whose foundation, built by Kim and Jeff, remains solid through every victory and setback. Their journey offers a vivid example of how family bonds can fuel achievement and resilience in one of motorsport’s most challenging arenas.
