Jason Burdett is embarking on his seventh season as the crew chief for the No. 7 team at JR Motorsports, and he’s been collaborating with experienced driver Justin Allgaier for six years. Throughout his initial six seasons as a crew chief in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Burdett has achieved remarkable success, accumulating 13 victories, 78 top-five finishes, and an impressive 137 top-10 finishes. His outstanding performance led him to become the winningest crew chief in the history of JRM in 2020, a testament to his expertise and dedication.
One of Jason Burdett’s remarkable accomplishments is consistently guiding his team to the championship in four out of the last five seasons. This level of success showcases his ability to lead and strategize effectively in one of NASCAR’s most competitive series.
Burdett’s role as crew chief involves overseeing various aspects of the race car, including setup, strategy, and in-race adjustments. His partnership with driver Justin Allgaier has proven to be a winning combination, and their synergy on and off the track has contributed significantly to the team’s achievements.
As a crew chief, Burdett’s responsibilities extend beyond race day, as he works closely with the team’s engineers, mechanics, and other support staff to ensure that the No. 7 car is finely tuned and ready to compete at its best in every race. His experience and leadership have been instrumental in maintaining the team’s competitive edge and consistently putting them in contention for championships.
With his track record of success and his commitment to excellence, Jason Burdett continues to be a vital asset to JR Motorsports and a key figure in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. His passion for racing and ability to lead his team to victory make him a respected figure in the motorsports community, and he remains focused on achieving even greater heights in the seasons to come.
Jason Burdett: A Journey through Racing Success
Early Career and Championship Beginnings
Jason Burdett, a native of Arkport, New York, found his passion for racing on the local circuits around Watkins Glen. In 1998, he made the pivotal move to North Carolina, the heart of NASCAR, and joined Robert Yates Racing. A year later, he played a crucial role in helping Dale Jarrett’s team secure a NASCAR Cup Series championship, marking his first taste of championship success as a tire specialist.
Champion with Jeff Gordon
Burdett’s talent and dedication led him to Hendrick Motorsports, where, in 2001, he earned his second Cup Series championship, this time with legendary driver Jeff Gordon. This achievement solidified his reputation as a top-tier crew member in the racing world.
Transition to Crew Chief
In 2007, Burdett joined Michael Waltrip Racing and reunited with Dale Jarrett, taking on the role of crew chief for the No. 44 team in the latter half of the season. This experience honed his skills and provided valuable insights into NASCAR competition at the highest level.
Hendrick Motorsports and Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
Burdett’s journey continued as he returned to Hendrick Motorsports in 2008. He excelled as car chief for the No. 24 team from 2008 to 2010, contributing to their competitive edge. Later, he transitioned to Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s No. 88 team from 2011 to 2014, showcasing his adaptability and versatility as a key team member.
Joining JR Motorsports
In his first year with JR Motorsports‘ No. 7 team, Burdett secured two wins with driver Regan Smith and finished just 22 points behind the 2015 NXS champion. This marked a new chapter in his racing career, bringing his expertise to a fresh team and helping them achieve success.
Success with Justin Allgaier
Burdett’s collaboration with driver Justin Allgaier began in 2016, and their partnership quickly yielded impressive results. They secured 13 top-five and 27 top-10 finishes in 33 races, earning a spot in the Championship 4 during the inaugural NASCAR Xfinity Series playoffs.
Continued Achievements
Under Burdett’s leadership, the No. 7 team at JR Motorsports enjoyed remarkable success in subsequent seasons, with multiple wins and consistent playoff appearances. His unwavering commitment to excellence and his ability to navigate the ups and downs of racing have established him as a respected figure in the motorsports world.
With an impressive career that includes championship titles, numerous wins, and a passion for racing, Jason Burdett’s journey through the world of NASCAR continues to inspire and drive him toward even greater accomplishments in the future.
A penalty casts a shadow on Allgaier’s championship bid
After securing his spot in the championship race at Homestead, Justin Allgaier and the No. 7 JR Motorsports team faced a setback with the suspension of their crew chief, Jason Burdett. The penalty stemmed from a post-race inspection at Phoenix, where Allgaier’s car was found to have an unattached brake cooling hose, violating rule Section 20.15.2.2, which mandates that “rear brake cooling assemblies must be sealed from air inlet to exhaust.”
The penalty handed down included a $10,000 fine for Burdett, along with his suspension from the upcoming Homestead race. Additionally, Allgaier’s 10th-place finish in Phoenix was deemed encumbered, and the team was docked 10 driver and owner points. However, Allgaier’s championship position remained unaffected due to his sufficient points cushion.
Heading into the championship event, Allgaier boasted an impressive season record with two wins, 10 top-five finishes, 17 top-10 finishes, 495 laps led, and an average finish of 13.1.
This incident marked the second consecutive year in which a JRM crew chief faced suspension before the final race of the season. In the prior season, Elliott Sadler’s crew chief, Kevin Meendering, was suspended for the Homestead race. Despite the setback, Sadler secured a second-place finish in both the race and the overall points standings with his backup crew chief.
While JR Motorsports had the option to appeal the penalty, they ultimately decided against it. Billy Wilburn was announced as the replacement crew chief for Allgaier, a choice supported by the team’s strong support staff and Wilburn’s experience and expertise.
The penalty served as a reminder of the high stakes and strict regulations in NASCAR racing, adding an element of uncertainty to Allgaier’s championship pursuit as the team adapted to the changes in their leadership.
FAQs About Jason Burdett
Q: How long has Jason Burdett been with JR Motorsports?
A: Jason Burdett has been with JR Motorsports for seven seasons as a crew chief for the No. 7 team.
Q: What is Jason Burdett’s role as crew chief?
A: As crew chief, Jason Burdett is responsible for overseeing the No. 7 team’s performance and strategy during NASCAR Xfinity Series races.
Q: What achievements has Jason Burdett accomplished during his career?
A: Jason Burdett has achieved 13 wins, 78 top-five finishes, and 137 top-10 finishes during his time as a crew chief, making him the winningest crew chief in JRM’s history in 2020.
Q: How many times has Jason Burdett led his team to the championship?
A: Jason Burdett has led his team to the championship in four of the last five NASCAR Xfinity Series seasons.
Q: What was the most memorable season for Jason Burdett and the No. 7 team?
A: The 2020 season was a memorable one for Jason Burdett and the No. 7 team, as they secured three victories and reached the Championship 4, although they finished as runners-up in the NXS championship standings.
Q: Has Jason Burdett worked with other NASCAR teams or drivers?
A: Yes, Jason Burdett has worked with various NASCAR teams and drivers during his career, including Regan Smith and Danica Patrick.
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