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.
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) May 17, 2023
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.
- 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.