Like father, like son.
Harrison Burton, son of NBC NASCAR analyst and former NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Jeff Burton, will run the full NASCAR K&N Pro Series East season in 2016, it was announced Thursday.
The 15-year-old Burton will drive the No. 12 DEX Imaging Toyota for HScott Motorsports with Justin Marks. He’ll also compete for series Rookie of the Year.
The announcement was made in conjunction with Burton’s second career K&N start this weekend at Phoenix International Raceway.
“I am excited to join a notable organization with such a successful history,” Burton said. “I’m a young driver and have a lot to learn. The opportunity to work with this team and learn from my new teammates is huge for the growth and development of my career. I’m excited to see what 2016 brings.”
The younger Burton made his K&N Series debut last month at All-American Speedway in Roseville, California. By doing so, he became the youngest driver in series history at 15 years, 8 days old.
Rich Lushes, who was Burton’s crew chief at Roseville and will be atop the pit box at Phoenix, will serve as his crew chief in the 2016 K&N Series, as well.
Harrison is no stranger to racing, following in the footsteps of his father and uncle, Daytona 500 winner Ward Burton. He earned his first pole at 11 years old in a Late Model race, won his first Pro-Late Model race at the age of 12 and Super Late Model race at 14.
He’s also a three-time Quarter Midget champion.
HScott Motorsports with Justin Marks placed all five of its drivers in the top six positions of this season’s K&N Series standings, including William Byron, who won the championship. All five drivers combined to win seven of the season’s 14 races.
“We are really excited to add Harrison Burton to our team next season,” said team owner, Harry Scott, Jr. “Justin (Marks) and I pride ourselves on working with young drivers and preparing them to move to the next level, and we know Harrison has what it takes to be a contender in the K&N Series. We look forward to working with him in 2016 and helping him develop.”
It will be a busy year for the younger Burton in 2016. In addition to running the full K&N Pro Series East, he’ll also drive in Super Late Model competition for his father’s team, Jeff Burton Autosports.