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Ward Burton Biography
It’s no secret that Ward Burton has long been one of NASCAR’s crown jewels. Adored by fans and respected by his peers, the South Boston, VA native is well known for his laid-back demeanor and determination to succeed, as well as his talent. Despite a great love for the outdoors, Burton, who operates the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation, returns to NASCAR Busch Series competition in 2007, partnering with Kleenex® Racing and Brewco Motorsports, Inc.
Burton, the 2002 Daytona 500 Champion, is entering his 11th full season in the Nextel Cup Series. With five career victories and a pair of top 10 finishes in the NASCAR standings, his stats speak for themselves.
Like most drivers, Ward Burton had an early beginning to his racing career, competing in the Virginia Karting Association from age eight to 16. Moving to the South Boston speedway, Burton competed in Mini-Stocks and Street Stocks, before moving to the Late Model class in 1986. Three years later, Burton won three races and the “Most Popular Driver award” at the Virginia track.
In 1990, Burton moved to the NASCAR Busch Series, posting three top-10 finishes and finishing runner-up in the Rookie-of-the-Year Standings, eventually taking the series by storm with four victories in 1992.
In 1994, Burton advanced to NASCAR’s top series, scoring a Bud Pole award and a top-five finish. The following year, while driving for Bill Davis Racing, the Virginia native took the checkered flag during the fall event at Rockingham.
Over the next nine seasons, Burton would score six additional Pole awards and four victories, including two wins at Darlington, seen as the toughest on the circuit. His win in the 2001 Southern 500 added him to a select group of drivers, including David Pearson and Dale Earnhardt, to have multiple wins at Darlington.
In 2002, Burton capped off every driver’s dream with a victory in the Daytona 500. Now, joining forces with Brewco Motorsports and Kleenex® Racing, Burton is looking for solid results, and many trips back to victory lane.
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