TALLADEGA, Ala.: When it comes to Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, you never know what to expect.
For Jeb Burton in his second NASCAR Xfinity Series start of the season, he saw the chance to earn his first career victory at the 2.66-mile superspeedway.
And while Burton in his No. 8 LS Tractors Chevrolet led the field back to green for a three-lap shootout in Saturday afternoon’s Unhinged 300, Burton would be no match for the teammate hustle of Kaulig Racing.
With three cars linked together, Burton found himself without help when it counted most, and the opportunity to win erased in a blink of an eye. While his win did not come in his 34th career Xfinity Series race, the Halifax, Va. native did earn a career-best finish of third.
“Really appreciate everyone at JR Motorsports for providing the tools to run well,” Burton said. “We will win soon. I’m just really excited for the next one (race) in Indy in a few weeks.
“I also really appreciate all my partners for making this possible.”
But it just wasn’t being in the right place in the latter stages of the race. Burton was a player throughout the race, keeping his blue and white race car in the heat of the battle even after starting at the rear of the field because of an inspection issue earlier in the race.
“That last caution we were sitting in a good spot,” Burton explained.. “We had the lead and were controlling the pace when the caution came out. That last restart, I thought that the 21 was in front of the 10. They were at the red flag. When we came back around, I took the bottom to put the 22 behind me, and then the teammates were lined up.
“They had switched positions, so that was a little frustrating. I would have definitely put Chastain behind me. He probably would have pushed me to the win, but hindsight is 20-20.”
Through hustle and bustle, Burton has worked hard to remain visible in the Xfinity Series garage even though he is not running a full-time schedule. Joining JR Motorsports in a limited capacity in 2019, Burton showcased his potential.
He is doing more of the same in 2020.
Leading 34 laps in both superspeedway races this season at Daytona International Speedway and Talladega, Burton is finding his niche under the leadership of Taylor Moyer who is building fast race cars for his variety of drivers.
“We’ve been in position to win every race,” explained Burton. “We’re going to get us a win soon. I’m frustrated, I want to win for myself and all of my partners. Today wasn’t the day.”
Still, Burton is shining. Saturday marked his fourth career top-five with three under the JR Motorsports umbrella. Seven of his 10 top-10 efforts have also fallen under the JR Motorsports banner.
And while Burton knows he has a set number of races aboard the No. 8 Chevrolet Camaro, he still treats every race as if its his last.
“Every time I get behind the wheel, I treat it like it’s my last one,” sounded Burton. “Without the partners that I have behind me I wouldn’t be at JR Motorsports.
“I’m really blessed for the opportunity. We’ve ran nine times with JRM total and had a shot to win a bunch of races. They’ve found some speed at the mile and a half’s, so that’s exciting.”
And while Burton seems to be carrying the same tune as some of his fellow Xfinity Series competitors who’s schedule appears clouded for 2021, the son of former NASCAR Cup Series driver Ward Burton is determined to just stay focused and hope his hard work will be rewarded.
“I don’t know about my future,” Burton said. “I play every year by ear and I have a great home at JR Motorsports. We could run for a championship if we had the funding. I’m just keeping my head down, seeing whatever comes our way, every opportunity.”
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
