NASCAR Legend Jeff Burton Emotionally Reflects On Son Harrison’s Maiden Cup Series Win

In an unforgettable moment at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR legend Jeff Burton witnessed a career milestone—not his own, but that of his son, Harrison Burton, from an unusually personal vantage point.

Positioned in the NBC Sports commentary booth, Jeff Burton found himself in a dual role as both a seasoned broadcaster and a hopeful father as the race unfolded dramatically on the final lap.

The Coke Zero Sugar 400 had already set the stage for a memorable day with Harrison Burton leading the pack and veteran driver Kyle Busch close on his trail.

Explaining the experience, Jeff Burton commented, as quoted by Yardbarker:

“Coming off of [Turn] 2, I said to myself, ‘One of these things is gonna happen: Either Kyle is gonna make a massive block and it’s gonna be a hell of a wreck, or the 21 is gonna win the race.’ You could see the momentum.

“Kyle did the right thing because had he made that block — he gave himself a chance by not making the block. But then they’re banging into each other off of [Turn] 4, and I saw him below the white and I knew he was in front and got pushed down there. I wasn’t worried about that call.”

As Harrison Burton clinched his first career Cup Series victory, Jeff couldn’t contain his joy, evidenced by a victorious fist pump witnessed by millions.

Off-air, the celebration was even more poignant. Jeff joined his son on the track and later in Victory Lane, where emotions ran high.

Jeff added:

“I’ve done this long enough and this is the fifth year I’ve called his races.

“A hell of a lot more times he hasn’t won than he has, so you certainly don’t start thinking well this is the night. I’m just not that kind of person.

“But there’s a moment where yeah, I did turn into dad and look, the people I work for — they’re very family related and it’s OK for me to turn into dad. I’m uncomfortable turning into dad on air, but off air I’ll show myself and they don’t mind me doing that.”

The victory was not just a personal triumph but also a significant achievement for Harrison’s team, marking Wood Brothers Racing’s landmark 100th win in the Cup Series.

NASCAR Cup Series: Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway Results

1. Harrison Burton – 20 | Running
2. Kyle Busch – 11 | Running
3. Christopher Bell – 27 | Running
4. Cody Ware – 33 | Running
5. Ty Gibbs – 26 | Running
6. Bubba Wallace – 18 | Running
7. Parker Retzlaff – 29 | Running
8. Brad Keselowski – 12 | Running
9. Daniel Hemric – 28 | Running
10. Chris Buescher – 13 | Running
11. Carson Hocevar – 37 | Running
12. Ross Chastain – 24 | Running
13. Zane Smith – 30 | Running
14. Chase Briscoe – 6 | Running
15. John H. Nemechek – 31 | Running
16. Alex Bowman – 21 | Running
17. Erik Jones – 40 | Running
18. Austin Cindric – 8 | Running
19. BJ McLeod – 38 | Running
20. Joey Gase – 39 | Running
21. Kyle Larson – 9 | Running
22. Austin Dillon – 16 | Running
23. Todd Gilliland – 2 | Running
24. Martin Truex Jr – 17 | Running
25. Austin Hill – 23 | Accident
26. Josh Berry – 5 | Accident
27. William Byron – 7 | Accident
28. Tyler Reddick – 25 | Accident
29. Ryan Blaney – 14 | Accident
30. Michael McDowell – 1 | Accident
31. Joey Logano – 3 | Accident
32. Justin Haley – 36 | Accident
33. Ricky Stenhouse Jr – 35 | Accident
34. Corey LaJoie – 34 | Running
35. Shane Van Gisbergen – 32 | Engine
36. Chase Elliott – 10 | Accident
37. Noah Gragson – 15 | Accident
38. Denny Hamlin – 19 | Accident
39. Ryan Preece – 4 | DVP
40. Daniel Suárez – 22 | Fire