Ward Burton is Back! Daytona 500 Champion to Compete in First Race in 12 Years

How about this for a throwback; Ward Burton will return behind the wheel of a race car as he is set to compete in the Orange Krush 200 Invitational Late Model race at Orange County Speedway in Rougemont, NC on Thursday, March 28th.

The 62-year-old racer, who hasn't competed in a race since 2012, scored a win at Orange County Speedway in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (then Busch Grand National Series) in May 1993. That event, where Burton dominated by leading 259 of the 300 laps, marked the second of his four career NASCAR Xfinity Series wins.

While the entry list for the event is still being compiled, Burton joins what is already an all-star lineup. Jeb Burton, Ward's son, will be in the lineup as well.

The younger Burton recently competed in the Snowflake 100 at Five Flags Speedway for the first time last month.

Jeremy Mayfield, a five-time race winner in the NASCAR Cup Series, will also be in the race. Mayfield has been a fixture in the dirt and paved local short-track world in recent years.

Late Model standouts Peyton Sellers, who was the 2021 NASCAR Weekly Racing Series National Champion, and Deac McCaskill are also on the preliminary entry list for the event.

The event will be sponsored by Rogers Heating & Cooling, which is a Virginia-based residential HVAC, Electrical, and plumbing service company. Rogers Heating & Cooling will expand their service area to North Carolina in 2024.

According to a press release, proceeds from the ticket sales of the Rogers Heating & Cooling Orange Krush 200 will benefit the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation, which is a 501c3 non-profit organization that was founded in 1996.

Ward Burton is proud to partner his foundation with Rogers Heating & Cooling and Orange County Speedway for the event.

“We’re so excited to partner with Rogers Heating & Cooling for this event," Ward Burton stated. "I’m looking forward to having some fun out there on the track again with some of the best in the business and have the opportunity to race against my son! I can promise we’ll put on a great show for the fans and hopefully raise a lot of money and awareness to further The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation’s conservation and outreach efforts, including continuing to expand opportunities to host Veterans and their families at our properties and events.”

Being part of such a prestigious racing event, and being tied to the return of Ward Burton to the race track gives Rogers Heating & Cooling a lot to be excited about.

"We are truly honored to join hands with The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation in presenting the Orange Krush 200 race at Orange County Speedway," Joey Rogers, Rogers Heating & Cooling President said. "This collaboration reflects our deep commitment to our local community and the conservation of our natural resources. It's not just about the thrill of the race but also about contributing to a greater cause. Together, we aim to make a significant impact in supporting the invaluable work of The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation and its dedication to conservation and outreach. We look forward to an exciting event that brings together racing enthusiasts and nature conservation advocates alike. And what makes it even more special… Ward Burton is getting back in a race car!"

The Orange Krush 200 will include interactive experiences, at no additional cost, for fans in attendance including a pre-race autograph session featuring all competitors and surprise guests.

Food Trucks will also be on-site in the fan zone area and the facility will have pre-race entertainment. Tickets and additional information for the event are available at OrangeKrushRace.com. The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation, Ward Burton, Jeb Burton, and Rogers Heating & Cooling will all provide social media updates about the event leading into the race.

Photo Credit: Jeb Burton on via X