In a move that has left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads, Harrison Burton has officially parted ways with AM Racing for the 2026 season, marking the end of a partnership that brought the team to new heights. But here's where it gets intriguing: despite leading AM Racing to their first-ever Xfinity Series Playoffs appearance, Burton won’t be returning to the team after this season. The announcement, made jointly by Burton and AM Racing on Wednesday, has sparked conversations about what’s next for both parties.
Burton, currently sitting 12th in the points standings, heads into Saturday’s Las Vegas race with a solid record this season—two top-five finishes, 10 top-10s, and two stage wins. Yet, he was among the four drivers eliminated after the Charlotte Roval cutoff race last weekend. And this is the part most people miss: Burton’s departure comes at a time when his performance has been undeniably impactful, raising questions about the reasons behind the split.
Meanwhile, all eyes are on Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson, who are gunning for a Las Vegas victory to secure their spot in the Phoenix championship race. Their quest adds another layer of excitement to an already dramatic season.
In a heartfelt social media statement, Burton reflected on his time with AM Racing: ‘I’m grateful to AM Racing, Tim Self, and Wade Moore for believing in me when I needed it most after losing my Cup seat in 2025. Their dedication from day one helped us achieve milestones like team-record top-five and top-10 finishes, and our historic playoff run. This season reignited my passion for racing—the teamwork, the focus, the fight. I’m excited for what’s next and will share my plans soon.’
AM Racing, in turn, acknowledged Burton’s contributions: ‘We thank Harrison and the Burton family for their professionalism and impact both on and off the track. We wish them nothing but success in the future.’ The team has promised updates on their 2026 lineup and program at a later date.
But here’s the controversial question: Was this split a mutual decision, or is there more to the story? Burton’s success with AM Racing makes his departure puzzling, and fans are already speculating about his next move. Could he be eyeing a return to the Cup Series, or is another Xfinity team in his future? And what does this mean for AM Racing’s trajectory without their star driver?
This development not only reshapes the Xfinity Series landscape but also leaves us wondering: What’s the real story behind this parting of ways? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think this was the right move for Burton, or is AM Racing losing a key asset? The racing world is buzzing, and we’re here for every twist and turn.
