Jeff Burton will not return to RCR?

Question

Looks like Newman has found a new home. But nothing official yet. Your thoughts?

Jeff Burton, driver of the #31 Caterpillar Chevrolet SS for Richard Childress Racing, has announced he will not be driving that car after the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. Burton, 46, has driven for RCR since 2005. The native of South Boston, Va., has won four of his 21 NSCS victories with the team. He also earned seven NASCAR Nationwide Series wins with RCR and was an integral part of their 2007 NNS Owner's Championship. "I strongly believe in the #31 team as to what we can achieve this year, and for the team in seasons to follow," Burton said. "However, the financial realities for next year were obvious to both Richard (Childress) and me. So, we talked about it and both made the decision to make this move for the team's future. I would like to thank the dealers, customers and employees of Caterpillar for all we've achieved together. You can't ask for a better and more supportive sponsor than those people, and it's been an honor to wear their black and yellow colors on my uniform." Caterpillar will continue to sponsor the #31 Chevrolet SS. "Jeff has been a true professional in every sense of the word," said Greg Towles, Cat Racing Program Director. "On behalf of Caterpillar dealers, customers and Cat employees, we thank Jeff for his commitment to the #31 team and the Cat Racing program." A new driver (Ryan Newman rumored) for the #31 Caterpillar Chevrolet SS will be named in the future.
"We have been working hard to try and get all the funding in place to have four Sprint Cup teams in 2014," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. "With the date on the calendar getting closer to 2014, we just couldn't run partially funded teams next year. Knowing what Jeff's plans were in 2015, he and I worked out an agreement for him to step out of the #31 Caterpillar Chevrolet after this season. Jeff has been nothing but a professional driver, an asset to RCR and a great person for our organization since coming on board in 2005. Jeff has also been a great ambassador for Caterpillar and the other partners we've had on the car throughout the years. I can't thank him and Caterpillar enough for how great they've been as we work through this transition. We intend to finish out 2013 in a strong way and I look forward to the possibility of Jeff still being part of RCR in the near future, just not driving the #31 car. I have been watching his son, Harrison, and the success he's having. Hopefully, we can have another Burton in one of our cars someday."

Answer 1

Jeff hasn't been producing and he isn't getting any younger. I'm not surprised.

Answer 2

There is a future at RCR and its named Austin and Ty Dillon. Harvicks team will be Austin's. The only question is will he drive it full time next year or split the time with Mark Martin. The 31 team will eventually be Ty's in a few years. With that said Newman would be the best choice for now. He is a solid driver and proven race winner, and his demeanor would be a better fit than Montoya. Ryan is a great team player and would do better at RCR where the emphasis will be on Austin and Ty because Montoya wants to be the top dog where ever he's at.

Answer 3

Not much of a surprise, being that he has been irrelevant for quite some time now. A lot of people seem to think that he is going to find another full-time ride immediately, but I don't know about all of that. Like many of the older drivers, younger talent has and will continue to push these guys out, which I think is best for the sport in the big picture.



I'm not a Newman fan, so I don't really care; I think he will be fine at RCR, if that is indeed what happens with him, though.

Answer 4

O.K. Burton is out at RCR, but he's already got a ride set up at either Tommy Baldwin's or Swan Racing. Menard is in the 27. Newman in the 31. Austin Dillon in the 3. That leaves a seat open if they get sponsorship for a 4th car, which I don't see happening, but it could. I am kind of surprised Burton has lasted this long at RCR. He has a decent run once in a while, but nothing substantial.

Answer 5

I think he should just leave the sport instead of going and driving for an underfunded team running around 30th. It's just depressing to see once great drivers (like Terry Labonte for instance) running at the back of the pack. He should focus on his son's carrer like his brother has.

Answer 6

He's going to the #30 a satellite team to RCR.

Answer 7

As Much as I hate to say it, and as much as I Iike them, I agree that both of the Labonte Bros should focus on their kids or nephews. I am a huge fan of both, which is why I say it. 1st Bros to win Cup champs, Bobby was the fist to win the Busch (Nationwide) on the way UP, then win the Cup series too.

Terry showed Sr, what "I just wanted to rattle him" meant. Jeff has been a super classy guy, his whole career. He has the respect of all the drivers that matter.



Go out on top.

Answer 8

Not been too competitive for about 5 years.

Answer 9

His estimated net worth is about $46 million dollars..I won't shed a tear when he is gone

Answer 10

He should have never been there. Jeff Burton sucksss.

Answer 11

Not for RCR but someone will pick him up if he still wants a ride.

Answer 12

And/or Montoya