Harrison Burton started the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona this past Saturday in the 34th position among all full-time drivers in the points standings.
However, Burton is already guaranteed a spot in the 16-driver playoff field as of right now, three days later. Burton won the unexpected race at Daytona and will now go after a Cup Series title.
Despite his lackluster season until Daytona, Chase Elliott believes Burton is headed for the playoffs, saying on Tuesday that he just capitalized on the playoff structure NASCAR introduced in 2014.
Elliott said to FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass, “Man, that’s tough.” “I probably disagree with them [NASCAR] on a lot of those things, but I completely respect their decision.” Regarding the previous weekend, let’s face it: Harrison performed admirably.
I was thrilled for them to win and to achieve their 100th victory because I know all those folks from my childhood racing days with my dad [Bill Elliott]. I believe it’s an amazing accomplishment. That’s all I wanted to say. I’m genuinely delighted for everyone concerned. My good friend Jeff Burton is another someone I like to watch, Harrison. Really, I’m just glad for them.
“Look, the rules aren’t made by them. This is the format that NASCAR invented, and they set the rules. Occasionally, you will experience something similar to what happened on Saturday night when the cards fall as they did. Since this is the reality and the format they legitimately exploited, I believe it is unjust for any of us to question that. Bravo to them.
Harrison Burton playoff bound after win at Daytona
A race winner required to finish in the top 30 of the points standings in order to qualify for the playoffs under a prior regulation enforced by NASCAR. Before the 2023 season, the sanctioning authority decided to do away with the rule. That modification makes Burton’s victory eligible for an automatic postseason spot.
It helped Burton, but it hurt playoff bubble drivers like Ross Chastain and Bubba Wallace. To make the playoffs, both teams most likely need to win on Sunday at Darlington. Naturally, that is unrelated to Burton, who on Saturday achieved the zenith of his brief career.
Following the race, Burton remarked, “I cried the whole victory lap.” It goes without saying that I lost my job. I wanted to give the Wood brothers every opportunity I could.
They’ve offered me a fantastic opportunity in life, so it’s incredible to earn them [victory No.] 100 before I leave. We’ve entered the postseason. Let’s visit Darlington and see the situation there.
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