Burton to Drive for HScott in 2016
Son of Former Sprint Cup Driver To Pursue K&N Pro East Title
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. – Harrison Burton, teenage son of former NASCAR Sprint Cup driver and current NBC Sports NASCAR analyst Jeff Burton, will run a full schedule in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East in 2016, driving the No. 12 DEX Imaging Toyotafor HScott Motorsports with Justin Marks.
Burton made his NASCAR K&N Series debut last month at All-American Speedway (Roseville, Calif.), becoming the youngest driver to race in the series at 15 years, 8 days old. Burton has an extensive racing background in late model cars over the last few years. He earned his first pole position in the Late Model Series at just 11 years old, and then won his first Pro-Late Model race at age 12 and Super Late Model race at 14. Prior to his late model success, he was a three-time Quarter Midget Champion. He will compete for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series Rookie of the Year honors next season.
“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.”
Burton’s current Super Late Model primary sponsor, DEX Imaging (deximaging.com), a privately held document-imaging dealer which has partnered with Burton since 2013, will continue to serve as the primary sponsor of the No. 12 K&N Series Toyotain 2016. Crew chief Rich Lushes, who led Burton in his K&N debut, will continue as crew chief for the 2016 season.
HScott Motorsports with Justin Marks had a successful 2015 K&N Pro Series East campaign, with all five of their drivers finishing in the top six of the final championship standings and the team combining to win seven of the 14 races. The team was led by William Byron, who edged his HScott Motorsports with Justin Marks teammate Scott Heckert to take home the championship.
“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.”
Burton will also continue his Super Late Model racing next season for Jeff Burton Autosports, with sponsor DEX and crew chief Chris Wimmer.
The younger Burton will make his second K&N Pro Series start this weekend at Phoenix International Raceway, piloting the No. 12 DEX Imaging Toyota for Jeff Burton Autosports.
Sources: HScott Motorsports with Justin Marks PR