We are reaching the end of yet another exciting NASCAR Xfinity Series season. There is one more race to go before the conclusion of the 2025 season. The final standings are nearly complete. But we can still see some changes in positions for both drivers and manufacturers.
After the final NASCAR race, we can also expect a couple of changes in terms of team drivers. One surprising development that attracted fans’ attention is Harrison Burton’s decision to depart from AM Racing. This news came as a shock to some fans as the driver will leave after just one year with the team.
Burton’s Season-Long Gamble That Didn’t Go as Planned
Last season, AM Racing proudly announced that Harrison Burton had decided to join the organisation. He came in as the new Daytona Cup Series winner and with a lot of positive expectations.
Things didn’t go as the driver and manufacturer planned, as they decided to part ways after just one season together. Following this decision, Burton won’t represent AM Racing during the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts season, aka Xfinity Series.
Burton earned himself ten top 10 finishes and two top 5 finishes during his time with AM Racing. He managed that over the course of 29 races. But he and his team surely expected much better results that included a couple of wins.
Burton ended the championship at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval during the final race of the round of 12. When he signed for AM Racing, he believed that he could help the organisation to become a race-winning team. Sadly, he didn’t hit the 777 jackpot at the NASCAR Xfinity Series and will leave the team without a trophy.
But the entire NASCAR season wasn’t a total failure for AM Racing. Burton helped the manufacturer reach the Xfinity Series Playoffs for the first time in their history. Together, they also achieved team records for the most top 5 and top 10 finishes.
In terms of standings, Burton currently occupies the 12th position with 2,137 points. During the 2025 season, his average start was 17.094, while his average finish was 14.563.
The Parting Words by Burton and AM Racing
After announcing his departure from AM Racing, Burton thanked the team, Wade Moore, and Tim Self for the opportunity and trust. The manufacturer’s offer came at a pivotal moment in his career, as, at that time, he lost his Cup seat.
Burton noted that the team’s preparation and commitment help them provide concrete progress. In his statement, he also mentioned the records and the team’s first-ever appearance in the Xfinity Series Playoffs.
The driver was also proud to show up every week, complete at the highest level, and end in a strong position. He didn’t forget to show his gratitude towards his crew members, office staff, engineers, fans, and partners. Nothing would be possible without their support.
In his closing words, he stated that this season he remembered why he loved competing so much. Among the important things for him are the fight, teamwork, and focus. He ended the statement by saying that he’s super excited for the next chapter in his career.
AM Racing also thanked Harrison Burton and his entire family for their contribution and professionalism on and off the racing track. The organisation wished them success in their future endeavours. The team didn’t reveal anything about its 2026 program and driver plans during this statement.
Harrison Burton’s Achievements So Far
A proud achievement for Burton is racing in a total of 106 NASCAR Xfinity Series events. His records show 59 top-10 finishes and one pole finish. It also includes 4 victories while driving the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in 2020.
This was the season where he ended in the 8th position in terms of points. He achieved the same 8th position while driving for the same manufacturer in the following year.
Burton raised his fame after becoming the first driver born in the 2000s to win a race in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The same year, Harrison got his hands on the NASCAR Rookie of the Year award.
Following the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Burton made a switch to the Cup Series for the 2021 season. He ended up competing there for 4 seasons straight, racing in a total of 109 events.
One of his best achievements was winning the NASCAR Cup Series in 2024. This was the same year that he became the first driver born in the 2000s to win a race in the Cup.
Many fans don’t know that Burton also won the 2017 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. He even competed in a couple of other racing competitions besides NASCAR. His portfolio includes winnings at the 2017 World Series of Asphalt Super Late Model, the 2017 SpeedFest 200, and the 2018 Rattler 250.