Ward Burton, the 2002 Daytona 500 champion, will make his first start in a race in 12 years as he is set to compete in the Rogers Heating & Cooling Orange Krush 200 Invitational Late Model event at Orange County Speedway in Rougemont, NC on Thursday, March 28th.
Burton, 62, scored the second of his four career NASCAR Xfinity Series (then Busch Grand National Series) wins at the speedway in May 1993. In that event, Burton led an impressive 259 of 300 laps as he beat Larry Pearson, Steve Grissom, Joe Bessey and Butch Miller to the finish line.
A star-studded driver lineup will be featured in the event, which will have a $75,000 purse. Jeb Burton is on the entry list and will compete against his father. Jeremy Mayfield, a five-time race winner in NASCAR Cup Series competition will also compete in the event along with 2021 NASCAR Weekly Racing Series National Champion Peyton Sellers, and Late Model legend Deac McCaskill.
A full entry list for the event will be announced as the race draws closer.
Per a press release, proceeds from the ticket sales of the Invitational event will go to The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation’s conservation and outreach efforts. The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization, which was founded in 1996.
“We’re so excited to partner with Rogers Heating & Cooling for this event,” Ward Burton stated. “I’m looking forward to having some fun out there on the track again with some of the best in the business and have the opportunity to race against my son! I can promise we’ll put on a great show for the fans and hopefully raise a lot of money and awareness to further The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation’s conservation and outreach efforts, including continuing to expand opportunities to host Veterans and their families at our properties and events.”
Rogers Heating & Cooling, a residential HVAC, electrical, and plumbing company that is expanding its services to North Carolina this year, is excited to present the race in partnership with Orange County Speedway and the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation.
“We are truly honored to join hands with The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation in presenting the Orange Krush 200 race at Orange County Speedway,” Joey Rogers, Rogers Heating & Cooling President said. “This collaboration reflects our deep commitment to our local community and the conservation of our natural resources. It’s not just about the thrill of the race but also about contributing to a greater cause. Together, we aim to make a significant impact in supporting the invaluable work of The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation and its dedication to conservation and outreach. We look forward to an exciting event that brings together racing enthusiasts and nature conservation advocates alike. And what makes it even more special… Ward Burton is getting back in a race car!”
Additionally, the event will include interactive experiences for fans in attendance. Access to a pre-race autograph session featuring all competitors and surprise guests will be included in the price of admission.
Food trucks will also be on-site in the fan zone area and there will be pre-race entertainment to help boost the experience of the fans.
Tickets and additional information for the event are available at OrangeKrushRace.com. The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation, Ward Burton, Jeb Burton, and Rogers Heating & Cooling will all provide social media updates about the event leading into the race.
