Jeb Burton and Ross Chastain are not new to NASCAR, but they were new to their prospective teams in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) race at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Saturday afternoon.
The HISTORY 300 provided ample opportunity for the two popular drivers to burst into the spotlight and while they weren’t able to accomplish top-10 finishes, both drivers put together solid runs that will leave their teams heading into the right direction moving forward.
Burton made his second-career NASCAR Nationwide Series start at Charlotte driving the No. 98 Kendall Jackson Ford Mustang for Biagi-DenBeste Racing, while Chastain made his NNS debut driving the No. 55 Watermelon.org Chevrolet Camaro for Viva Motorsports.
While the 21-year old Burton had the better of the two finishes with a 15th place finish, Chastain posted a season-high 18th place effort for Viva Motorsports, owned by part-time Nationwide competitor Jamie Dick after logging the 19th quickest time in qualifying. Chastain took the white flag in 14th, but his China Grove, North Carolina-based team ran out of gas on the last lap forcing the four position slide.
Both drivers adapted to their rides well during practice on Thursday afternoon producing speed and finesse in their racecars, while Burton advanced to all three rounds of knockout Nationwide qualifying on Saturday morning.
During the 200-lap event, Burton and Chastain both battled handling issues at times and the lack of cautions hindered the teams from making better changes to aid their progression. Their results, however, should keep the seats open for their return – pending sponsorship and availability of course.
“Our day was okay,” said Burton, a competitor in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for ThorSport Racing. “I wish we could have been better, we struggled with the handling a little bit, but I’m thankful for the chance with Biagi-DenBeste Racing.”
While Burton, the son of former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competitor Ward Burton didn’t hint at a potential Nationwide return, the team has hinted at putting the Halifax, Virginia native in their No. 98 Ford Mustang for more Nationwide races down the road.
Chastain, who started off the season driving for Ricky Benton Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series competed in his first race since March and he was equally thankful to behind the wheel.
“Balance-wise, we were good,” sounded Chastain. “I got better around half way, but we needed to find another half-second to be able to run with the top-five. We learned a lot and hopefully the opportunity will present itself to run this No. 55 again. It was a positive weekend.”
As the series trek to Dover (Del.) International Speedway, the opportunity may arise for Burton to return to the No. 98, but SS Green Light Racing will continue their partnership with Viva Motorsports for the Buckle-Up 200 and former NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Todd Bodine is rumored to be the driver. Make no mistake though, Chastain will be back. It’s only a matter of time.
Burton, though will have a busy week nonetheless, as CATCHFENCE.com has learned that he will make an announcement pertaining to his NASCAR Camping World Series (NCWTS) program with ThorSport Racing this upcoming Tuesday. It is expected a new sponsor from the Richmond, Virginia area will allow Burton to be funded for a “majority” of the remaining 2014 NCWTS races.
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
