Harrison Burton, who impressively helped AM Racing complete an incredible turnaround in the NASCAR Xfinity Series as the driver and team worked inside the Playoffs following a rough season for the team a season ago, will not return to the organization for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season.
AM Racing issued a statement on Wednesday confirming the departure of Burton and thanking the driver for his contributions, including two top-fives and 10 top-10s in his short tenure with the team, at season’s end.
“AM Racing announces that Harrison Burton will not return to the team for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season,” the team explained in its statement. “During his tenure, Burton helped elevate the program with team-record top-five and top-ten finishes and guided the No. 25 to AM Racing’s first-ever Playoff appearance. The organization thanks Harrison and the Burton family for their professionalism and contributions on and off the track, and wishes them continued success in Harrison’s future endeavors. AM Racing will share additional updates regarding 2026 driver and program plans at a later date.”
Following the official statement from AM Racing, Burton issued a statement of his own, thanking AM Racing for allowing him the opportunity to drive for them, and he expressed excitement about the next chapter of his racing career.
“I want to thank AM Racing, Tim Self, and Wade Moore for the opportunity and trust at a pivotal moment in my career after I lost my Cup seat entering 2025,” Burton said. “From day one, the group’s commitment and preparation helped us deliver tangible progress. So far, we have team-record top-five and top-10 results and the organization’s first trip to the Xfinity Series Playoffs.
“I’m proud of how we show up each week, compete at the highest level, and finish strong. I’m also grateful for the people who made this possible: our crew members, engineers, office staff, partners, and the fans who have our backs everywhere we race. This season reminded me why I love competing: the teamwork, the focus, and the fight. I’m super excited about the next chapter and will announce my plans at a future date.”
While he didn’t announce his plans for the 2026 season, the statement from Burton certainly indicates that the driver already has a ride lined up for next year.
Before departing the NASCAR Cup Series at the conclusion of the 2024 season, Burton was able to secure his first career win and 100th all-time win for the storied Wood Brothers Racing team in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway.
Prior to moving to full-time status in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2022, Burton collected four victories in the NASCAR Xfinity Series as a driver in the Toyota GAZOO Racing development pipeline at Joe Gibbs Racing.
