Race Weekend Central

Jeb Burton Driver Diary: Daytona Success, Goals and Extended Breaks

_Welcome to Jeb Burton’s Driver Diary! After running a handful of Camping World Truck Series races last season before a lack of sponsorship sidelined him, the 20-year-old has signed on to run the full season with Turner Scott Motorsports behind the wheel of the No. 4 Chevrolet. In five races last season, Burton posted a lone top-10 finish (eighth at Charlotte) and has already bettered that with a fifth-place at Daytona to start off 2013. Join in all season long as he keeps you up to date on everything happening both on and off the track._

I started racing Motocross and I did that and won some races. I realized my talent was better on four wheels than two, so I took it to go-karts and succeeded very well at it. Then we went on to Late Models and I ran really well. We figured it was time to go to the next level, got some time and ran well in the Truck Series (in 2012). I knew I could do it then and I’m with a great organization now – it’s time to win races now.

I went and met with Turner Scott Motorsports before I had a sponsor and they were really interested in me. They saw something in me and I saw something in them as an organization, and once we got the sponsor, we went there and everything’s been great since.

Jeb Burton played it smart and came out of Daytona with a great finish, giving him a great start toward his goals for his first full year in the CWTS.

Looking back at Daytona, it’s all about survival. You’ve just got to miss the wrecks, take your time and be smart and watch out for other people not making very smart moves. We got lucky and had a good truck. We’re going to be really good at Martinsville in a couple weeks and I’m really excited to get there.

When the Nationwide race ended Saturday with the big wreck that injured several fans, I definitely had my thoughts out there with all of those involved. I’m not really sure what NASCAR can do to improve fan safety. It’s not good when fans are getting hurt, but NASCAR is doing everything they can to make it safer for the fans. A lot of people take for granted now that racing isn’t that dangerous, but it’s still a very dangerous sport. Drivers know it’s dangerous, but we certainly don’t want any of the fans getting hurt.

Since this is my first full season in the Truck Series, I’ve got some goals that I’ll be working on. I want to win Rookie of the Year, finish in the top 10 in points and win some races. I think we can do all of that this year, too. We just have to be smart these next five races, and if we can get through them – maybe even get a win – and be sitting in the top 10 then, we’ll be sitting really well in the points.

Now that we’re in such an extended break for the Truck Series, I’ve still got some plans that will keep me busy until we get to Martinsville. I’ll be getting in my late model this Saturday for a test and then I’ll be racing it in a couple weeks at South Boston. I’ll be testing a couple days in the truck to get ready for Martinsville as well.

With a new team, I’ve got plenty of teammates that can help me out if I need it. They haven’t really given me any major advice other than getting away from Daytona with a good finish. That, right there is big. I think getting away from Daytona this strong sets the bar for the season. It seems like a bunch of teams that get out of there with a good finish and take care of the equipment, the guys get really pumped up. Besides Daytona, my teammates haven’t really said anything else, but they’ll help me and I’ll help them as much as I can.

The momentum shift with such an expanded break doesn’t really effect my guys a whole lot. They’re so focused and they want to win. They believe in me and they’re confident in me. I’ve got a great bunch of guys. I think it’s a good thing that we get a little break right here. They get to spend time with their family and get those trucks ready to go. Once we get to Martinsville, it will be game time then and we’ll get be ready to go.

*Connect with Jeb Burton!*

“Contact Beth Lunkenheimer”:https://frontstretch.com/contact/14353/

About the author

The Frontstretch Staff is made up of a group of talented men and women spread out all over the United States and Canada. Residing in 15 states throughout the country, plus Ontario, and widely ranging in age, the staff showcases a wide variety of diverse opinions that will keep you coming back for more week in and week out.

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