The Real Reason Harrison Burton Withdrew From the CARS Tour at North Wilkesboro

May 17, 2023
4:01 pm
News

Let us know what you think

Join the conversation on socials

Joshua Lipowski

Matt Weaver reported that it was Harrison Burton who voluntarily withdrew from the CARS Tour race at North Wilkesboro, not Ford who asked him to withdraw.

What’s Happening?

Harrison Burton announced last night that he was withdrawing from the CARS Tour race at North Wilkesboro Speedway slated to happen on Wednesday. The move was a surprise, but Matt Weaver shed some light on why saying that the car body was a Toyota body with a Ford sticker. Burton, a Ford driver, then withdrew. Weaver first reported that it was Ford who told Burton to withdraw, but a later report said that Burton withdrew on his own.

Follow up here: Ford Performance says no one at the manufacturer ordered Harrison Burton to withdraw from the CARS race.

A rep from Ford tells me Harrison made that decision on his own, due to the body branding issues I referenced, and then notified Ford of that decision.
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) May 17, 2023

Harrison Burton was one of multiple Cup Series drivers slated to race at North Wilkesboro this week. Last night, he announced he was withdrawing from the event without giving a reason.
Burton drives for Ford for the Wood Brothers. Therefore, driving a Toyota body could draw some ire from either Ford or Burton himself.
Fans on social media expressed surprise and disappointment at this. This could play a factor in how NASCAR stars are able to do other races during the week.

In the Stands

I guess so Joe and STO

We got the correction!

Are you REALLY sure Champa Bay Beast?

I guess, but this is a big deal to some.

Long story short, this is definitely a strange situation. However, things like this do matter a great deal to sponsors, and, if Burton is loyal to Ford, you can see why he would withdraw.