Harrison Burton’s ascent through NASCAR’s ranks has been a testament to his talent and determination. Beginning his career in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, he quickly made a name for himself with 4 victories in 2020 while driving the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. In 2022, Burton transitioned to the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 21 Ford Mustang for Wood Brothers Racing.
His perseverance paid off in August 2024, when he secured his first Cup Series victory at Daytona International Speedway. But the 2025 season presented new challenges for the 25-year-old. Driving AM Racing’s No. 25 Ford Mustang in the Xfinity Series, Burton finished 12 in the standings and accumulated 2 top-5 finishes and 10 top-10 finishes over 29 races. His best finish was 7th at Bristol on September 12, 2025. This performance led to one of the most important decisions in his career.
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AM Racing faces big decisions following NASCAR driver’s exit
Harrison Burton announced on October 8, 2025, that he will not return to AM Racing for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season. In a statement shared on social media, Burton said, “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. From Day 1, 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.”
He added, “I’m proud of how we show up each week, compete at the highest level and finish strong.” He also thanked the crew members, engineers, office staff, partners, and fans who supported the team throughout the season. AM Racing also issued a statement expressing appreciation for Burton’s contributions, stating, “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.” The development has prompted speculation about possible replacements, with names like Landon Cassill, Kole Raz, and Carson Kvapil emerging as potential candidates.
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Landon Cassill has been a consistent presence in NASCAR since his debut in 2007. Over his career, he has participated in 343 Cup Series races, though he has yet to secure a win. Despite this, Cassill has earned a reputation for his perseverance and adaptability, often driving for various teams under different circumstances. He has made 209 NASCAR Xfinity starts with 0 wins as of 2022, with his best Xfinity finish if 4th at Daytona. His experience and steady performance make him a strong candidate for teams looking for a reliable driver.
Kole Raz is a promising young talent in NASCAR, making his debut in the Xfinity Series in 2025. Driving for AM Racing, he participated in the World Wide Technology Raceway event, starting from the 24th position and finishing 34th. While his results thus far have been modest, his potential is evident. Raz’s background includes a victory in the ARCA Menards Series West at Kern Raceway in 2024, showcasing his capability to compete at a high level. His development in the Xfinity Series could be accelerated with the right opportunities.
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Carson Kvapil has been making significant strides in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. In the 2025 season, he participated in 29 races, securing 6 top-10 finishes and accumulating 3,005 points, placing him 7th in the standings. Notably, he achieved a 4th-place finish at Daytona, demonstrating his competitiveness on superspeedways. Kvapil’s consistent performance and upward trajectory suggest he could be a valuable asset for AM Racing in 2026.
AM Racing’s decision will likely depend on the team’s strategic goals and the drivers’ alignment with those objectives. As the 2026 season approaches, the team’s choice will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. But along with this, yet another high-stakes rumor has been circling the NASCAR garage.
NASCAR’s evolving playoff system and what’s next
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s words, “I just feel like the change is coming…I would say if I had to guess, we’re looking at probably a three- or four-race round to decide the title,” capture the growing buzz about potential changes to NASCAR’s playoff system. Fans and insiders have debated the current format for years, and now it seems the sport’s leadership is seriously considering adjustments.
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On the Dale Jr. Download podcast, NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell discussed the possibility of moving away from a single-race finale, emphasizing the importance of rewarding consistency over an entire season. He highlighted driver Christopher Bell, saying, “So what gets me to think about it is Christopher Bell, right? So a guy who will come in, have a conversation with me behind closed doors doesn’t go out and tweet about everything and say, ‘Hey, here’s what I think, here’s what I think.’ Just gives me an honest opinion, which I agree with of, ‘Hey man, if I roll off 10 wins, uh, in a year, right, and I go to one race, and a couple other guys get into me or whatever, and I’m not the champion.’”