Thursday, February 15, 2018

Jeb Burton & #26 BK Racing Team

In The Hunger Games series, there is a repeated line. “May the odds be ever in your favor.” While that line is proclaimed in regards to the tributes that fight to the death within The Hunger Games, it applies to young NASCAR driver Jeb Burton. Whom the odds repeatedly fall in his favor. There are many similarities between Jeb Burton & Parker Kligerman. Of course, having read, “Hang With ‘Em Parker Kligerman, Hang with ‘Em,” you know Kligerman’s story. Allow me then the opportunity to share the similarities between Kligerman & Jeb Burton.

Both began their careers in the NASCAR Truck Series. Both won a race. Both race Toyotas in the NASCAR Cup Series. Each has driven for a team no longer in business. Both race for one of the lower-tier NASCAR Cup Series teams. Here is the main difference. Burton so far has found himself in a driver’s seat continuously throughout his career.

In 2013, he drove for Turner Scott Motorsports & finished the season 5th in points with a victory at Texas. Unfortunately, shortly before the 2014 season began, his primary sponsor, Arrowhead Cigarettes, defaulted on its payments & Turner Scott Motorsports folded #4 team due to the lack of sponsorship. Burton landed on his feet. He signed a one-race deal with ThorSport Racing, & his sponsor Estes Express Lines upgraded Burton to a full schedule. He finished the season 8th in points but bad luck again beset him in early 2015. Estes Express Lines announced they were unable to reach a deal & subsequently Burton again was out of a job. Recently, BK Racing added Burton to its driver lineup & he is running for the 2015 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year Award.

A young talent, stable sponsorship with BK Racing’s relationship with Burger King, Jeb Burton appears to have landed on his feet & be able to stand up straight. Moreover, he can drive without fear of his sponsor costing him his job at the end of the season. It is an opportunity for Burton to grow & become the leader of BK Racing. At the minimum in this economy, it is a job. Go get ‘em Jeb Burton, you deserve this. After all, you have landed on your feet once again. It is a new season; clean track ready for rubber from both teams with consistent lineups & new teams ready to prove their worth. Lastly, teams changed personnel in hopes of a good season. An example? Jeb Burton & #26 BK Racing team