Jeb Burton will follow in the tire tracks of his father and uncle and become a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver this season with BK Racing.
Jeb, the son of 2002 Daytona 500 winner Ward and nephew of NASCAR on NBC analyst Jeff, was officially announced today as driver of the No. 26 Toyota Camry in NASCAR’s top level.
It marked the end of a uncertain few weeks that began with him losing his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series ride at ThorSport Racing. Jeb had also been in a similar position during the 2013-2014 offseason, when his Truck Series program at Turner Scott Motorsports also disappeared.
During today’s NASCAR AMERICA, Jeff talked about how Jeb struggled with the prospect of not being able to compete.
“His career has been, like, every year, it was really iffy whether he was gonna be at a race or not,” Jeff said. “This year, it popped up again, and he was just distraught. He wants this so badly. To not have the opportunity to race was just killing him. And then this opportunity came up.
“He’s really excited about it. He’s nervous about it at the same time, and he should be. But he’s really excited. He really appreciates the opportunity and that’s what I like so much about Jeb.”
Special guest co-host Aric Almirola and analyst Steve Letarte also chimed in on Jeb’s move to Cup. You can hear what they have say in the clip at the top, and for more perspective on the subject from Jeb’s parents, Ward and mother Tabitha, check out Dustin Long’s column from earlier today.