The Xfinity Series regular season ends with a Saturday night race at World Wide Technology Raceway (7:30 p.m. ET on CW). Much is at stake for drivers in the field, especially for a pair of cousins. The battle for playoff spots will likely come down to Burton vs. Burton.
Nine drivers have secured spots in the Xfinity Series playoffs. Eight drivers have won their way in while Carson Kvapil pointed his way. Three spots remain. Sheldon Creed (+65) and Taylor Gray (+60) are in comfortable spots. If the track sees a repeat winner or a driver ineligible for the playoffs, they will both lock in on points.
AM Racing's Harrison Burton is the last driver currently in the playoffs on points. He sits 31 points above the cutline and cousin Jeb Burton, who drives for Jordan Anderson Racing. Only one of these drivers can lock into the playoffs if a repeat winner takes the checkered flag. If a new winner arises, however, they will both miss the postseason.
Photo credit: Getty Images
This race will be pivotal for both drivers and their respective small teams. AM Racing is in its third season as an Xfinity Series operation. Burton is the third full-time driver to suit up for the team, but he could be the first to lock AM Racing into the playoffs. This could be a historic weekend for the team.
"Saturday night is a big one for our AM Racing team, and we all know what's on the line," Burton said. "The goal is simple -- be smart, be competitive, and put ourselves in the best position to secure our spot in the Playoffs.
"We've shown speed and resilience all year, and if we can execute cleanly, I believe we're capable of delivering another strong finish. I'm excited to go out there under the lights, represent our partners and hopefully punch our ticket into the postseason."
Jeb, for comparison, is midway through his third season with Jordan Anderson Racing. He delivered the team's first playoff appearance in 2023 by winning at Talladega, but he missed the 12-driver field last season.
Saturday night's race presents an opportunity to get the No. 27 back in contention for a championship and showcase the continued growth of Jordan Anderson Racing.
Jordan Anderson Racing first entered the Xfinity Series in 2021 as a single-car team with several different drivers. It missed the first 10 races due to rain washing out qualifying at Daytona and NASCAR only sporadically holding qualifying sessions.
Jordan Anderson Racing moved into 2022 with only one full-time driver, Myatt Snider. The team then expanded to a two-car operation in 2023 with Parker Retzlaff and Jeb behind the wheel. Blaine Perkins then replaced Retzlaff after two seasons.
Which Burton will have the advantage this weekend as they battle for the last playoff spot? That remains unknown.
Jeb has not competed at the track since the 2014 Truck Series race when he finished 18th. Burton has three Cup starts at WWT Raceway with an average finish of 26.3. He finished 16th in his lone Truck Series start at the 1.25-mile track.
Neither driver has an Xfinity start at the track. It has not been on the second-tier's schedule since the 2010 season when Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski split the race wins.