MARTINSVILLE, Va. – Officials from Rick Ware Racing (RWR) announced today that Halifax, Va. native Jeb Burton (@JebBurtonRacing) will pilot the team’s No. 51 JACOB Companies Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in Sunday afternoon’s First Data 500 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway.
Guaranteed to make the field this weekend, Burton will make his first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series start since Pocono (Pa.) Raceway in 2016, nearly 26 months ago. It will be a busy weekend for the Virginian who is also competing in Saturday’s Texas Roadhouse 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race for OnPoint Motorsports.
The tight 0.526-mile paperclip is considered Burton’s hometown track and where the son of former Daytona 500 winner Ward Burton honed his short track skills competing in several Late Model events at the historic short track during the early days of his Motorsports career.
“I am really thankful for the opportunity to work with the Rick Ware Racing team this weekend at Martinsville,” said Burton. “Being a native of Virginia, I love Martinsville and I have had success there in Late Model, Truck Series and have been fortunate enough to compete in two prior Cup races there.
“Hopefully, we can keep our nose clean and have a good run for the team. It means to lot to me that Rick (Ware, team owner) is giving me this chance and thinks enough of my ability to be in his race car this weekend.”
In his two prior Cup races at the historic paperclip 0.526-mile oval, the 25-year-old has a best finish of 27th after starting 35th. Burton believes he can improve on that.
“Realistically, I think we can have a top-25 run on Sunday,” added Burton. “The fall race at Martinsville is usually a tough and physical race because of the Playoffs. But, I think if we keep working on our No. 51 JACOB Companies Chevrolet, we can leave Martinsville with a lot to be proud of.”
JACOB Companies is a multifaceted nationwide construction firm with a focus on construction, development, management, design-build and technology services. Jacob Companies provides clients with a wide range of services in general contracting, construction management, design build, architectural and structural precast erection and a broad spectrum of technology, installation and information transport systems including structured cabling, low voltage, network service delivery and wireless solutions.
JACOB Companies specializes in High Rise Structures, Universities, Hotels, Automotive Dealerships, Athletic Facilities both Professional and Collegiate, and Parking Structures.
JACOB Companies is dedicated to serving and supporting its clients and the communities in which it operates by providing superior customer service, innovative solutions and a collaborative approach while generously supporting local and national organizations through sponsorships, donations and in-kind commitments.
Team principal Rick Ware says he’s happy to welcome Burton to the team’s fold and this may not be the only race you see him with the Thomasville, N.C.-organization this season.
“We are thrilled to have Jeb Burton in our car this weekend at Martinsville,” sounded Ware. “I am excited to see what he can do and I know our team is equally excited. We are planning on putting a good car on the track at Martinsville and seeing what Jeb can do.
“Not only is he a good short track racer, but he also comes from a racing family and that falls into place with our family philosophy here at RWR.”
Rick Ware Racing made history at Daytona becoming the first Cup Series team in modern era to have two females serve as pit crew members. Brehanna Daniels and Breanna O’Leary changed tires for Black during his fourth career Cup Series start.
The team’s best effort to date this season came in the season-opening Daytona 500 when Justin Marks drafted his No. 51 car to a solid 12th place result. Ray Black Jr. followed up with a noteworthy 16th place run at the “World Center of Racing” in July.
In addition to JACOB Companies, RWR welcomes Forest City Technology Inc. who will serve as an associate partner for the 33rd Cup race of 2018.
The First Data 500 is set for Sunday, Oct. 28 with coverage on NBCSN (NBC Sports Network), the Motor Racing Network (MRN) and SiriusXM Satellite Radio Channel 90. Event coverage begins at 2:30 p.m. (ET).
For more on Rick Ware Racing, please “like” them on Facebook (Facebook.com/rickwareracing) or visit WareRacing.com.
Rick Ware Racing is on Twitter. Follow them @RickWareRacing.
For more on Jeb Burton, please visit JebBurton.com or click on his Facebook page. Burton is also active on Twitter. You can follow and Tweet with him @JebBurtonRacing.
