Harrison Burton, 20, set for NASCAR Cup Series debut at Dega

Cousins Harrison Burton, left, and Jeb Burton talk prior to the start of the rain delayed NASCAR Xfinity Series auto race at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Va., Sunday, April 11, 2021. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) Cousins Harrison Burton, left, and Jeb Burton talk prior to the start of the rain delayed NASCAR Xfinity Series auto race at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Va., Sunday, April 11, 2021. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

By JOHN ZENOR / The Associated Press April 23, 2021 5 min read

TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP) – Jeff Burton the former NASCAR driver sees some benefits to his son making his Cup Series debut at Talladega Superspeedway.

Jeff Burton the father is more anxious about it.

“As mom and dad, it’s going to be a little nerve-racking,” Jeff Burton said. “Obviously Talladega is a nerve-racking place.”

Harrison Burton, all of 20 years old, will make his debut on NASCAR’s top circuit Sunday, barrelling onto a track that can prove harrowing even for the most veteran drivers. It’s not always easy on the parents either, even one who won 21 Cup races, though none of the victories came on the 2.66-mile oval known for its wrecks.

The elder Burton, now a commentator for NBC Sports, said he even got nervous walking in on Harrison’s film session from old Talladega races. Harrison, the reigning NASCAR Xfinity Series rookie of the year, will drive the No. 96 Toyota for Gaunt Brothers Racing this weekend.