The argument over nepotism versus merit has gone on for decades in NASCAR, sparking the perennial debates. While preserving the legacy of a previous generation of race car drivers can be considered the norm in NASCAR, talent is also a prerequisite to living up to expectations. Among many drivers who have passed the torch to future generations of their family, one would be Jeff Burton.

The Mayor’s son Harrison Burton has been making news recently, albeit for non-racing reasons. The 22-year-old youngster has been speculated to return for a third season at Wood Brothers Racing despite the fans’ dissatisfaction with him. As another season in his career approaches, the never-ending complaints from the fanbase continue.

Harrison Burton is set to return to the NASCAR Cup Series

Harrison Burton made his Cup Series debut in 2021, earning the title of the first post-2000-born driver to appear in the Cup Series. Since then, talk about him potentially being the next big thing in NASCAR has made the rounds. But the problem with high expectations is that people often do not live up to them. Jeff Burton has even come to his son’s rescue at times to bash his critics.

In a similar case, Harrison failed to impress during his stint at the Wood Brothers. The full-time driver of the #21 Ford Mustang is in a position of responsibility and respect, considering the stature of his team in the world of racing. Speaking to The Athletic about his return to the top-flight tourney, he said,

“I’m trying to focus on the team we have now and the guys we’re working with now and trying to build that and act like that’s going to be the future. If I could do anything, the goal for me would be to be back here, so I’m just going to continue down that path and try and keep building in the right direction. I feel like we’ve had some decent weekends recently.”

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Time and time again, people have debated whether Harrison Burton really deserves to take over the position for a team that has deep roots in NASCAR and is known for its glorious history. As the news of his return comes back into the community, the argument over his abilities starts again.

Fans lash out at Harrison Burton, calling him out for mediocrity

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In his rookie season in 2022, Burton Jr. finished 27th in the points standings, which did not summarize the whole picture. But the astonishing statistic that set off the time bomb for him was that he did not finish 7 races due to crashes that rendered his vehicle useless.

At Darlington, Burton ran as high as 13th until he fell victim again to the accident initiated by Alex Bowman and Daniel Suarez. Burton eventually crossed the checkered line in P35, making it yet another dismal outing for him.

“Amazing what money and nepotism can get you” commented a fan, indicating the relationships that went behind the scenes in securing this deal.

“Nepotism still reigns sadly”, “Why?! I mean, we know why, but it’s a shame that seat is wasted. We need to see the Wood Bros. car in victory lane again, and it won’t happen with him there.”

“Who in this day gets a 3rd year when you are this bad? Saying he was “running better” because he crashed running 16th means nothing.” replied another fan, shocked at the fact that the Wood Brothers were allowing him to compete under their banner for another season in spite of his performances.

“well yea. burton paid for 3 years of the ride, they aren’t about to give him any money back”

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Harrison Burton and his potential in the NASCAR Cup Series are two things that have been in the spotlight for many times now. Although how he shapes up his future will ultimately be reliant on him, if the pattern of performances continues, it won’t be long for him in the Cup.