HAMPTON, Georgia – No one said it was going to be easy.
And for Jeb Burton, he knows that phrase all too well.
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rookie made his debut in Sunday’s Folds of Honors QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway, but the likable driver struggled through his car’s handling to persevere with 35th place finish.
But perseverance is something that he’s become accustomed too lately. And he’s handled it well.
Two times over to be exact.
Burton’s 2015 season started off on shaky grounds when in late January he found out he would not be returning to ThorSport Racing when sponsor Estes couldn’t come to terms on a program for the 2015 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season.
On the sidelines for the second consecutive year at virtually the same time, new life was given to the Halifax, Virginia native at the helm of BK Racing owners Ron Devine and Anthony Marlowe.
While a rough Speedweeks 2015 sent the No. 26 Toyota Camry team home packing a few days before the Daytona 500, Burton’s faith in his driving ability and determination to strengthen the team’s program kept him positively charged entering this weekend’s festivities at Atlanta.
And while disappointed that a delayed shipment of parts kept him and teammate Matt DiBenedetto sidelined for Thursday’s open test at the 1.54-mile oval, Burton came back to the track on Friday ready to do work.
Burton’s No. 26 Maxim Fantasy Sports App Toyota struggled for speed during his 16-lap run in Friday’s only practice session.
The stress level only elevated further when Burton was one of 13 Sprint Cup Series teams unable to participate in knockout qualifying, after incurring problems clearing technicial inspection.
Thankfully, Burton earned a spot on the grid with a provisional starting spot of 40th, based on the team’s owner points from last season.
Even with starting at the rear of the field, the team relayed to their driver that Sunday’s performance wasn’t about finishing well, (although that would have been a welcomed bonus,) but gaining crucial seat time at NASCAR’s premier level.
Despite struggling with the handling of his car, especially in the corners when the car wouldn’t respond and a light brush with the wall, the former NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race winner had an uneventful day.
While the 35th-place finish was nothing to celebrate about, the 316 laps he obtained in the second NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race of the season were irreplaceable, especially under NASCAR’s newest rules package.
Things have to improve though. That goes without saying.
The 22-year old Burton’s ability to drive a racecar is virtually bullet proof, but making your way through the NASCAR ranks, there will be battles. Sunday afternoon’s performance proved that – but if the team continues to communicate and embrace Burton’s feedback, they’re chances of overcoming challenges should dissipate and earn themselves some much deserved (and welcomed) time in the spotlight.
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
