Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Ward Burton racing for first time in 12 years at Orange County Speedway charity event

Originally posted on 5 GOATs | By Jonathan Howard | Last updated 1/5/24

For the first time in 12 years, Ward Burton is going to get behind the wheel of a race car, and it’s for a great cause, too. The former NASCAR star will race in the Rogers Heating & Cooling Orange Krush 200 on March 28th. He’s got some friends joining him as well.

Fans of Ward Burton will know that he is a huge conservationist. He loves nature and has his own Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation. The proceeds from ticket sales are going to go to the foundation to assist in conservation and outreach efforts.

At 62 years old, Ward’s son Jeb convinced him to get into a race car again and return to Orange County Speedway. Jeb will be among the drivers in the event. NASCAR Cup Series winner Jeremy Mayfield from the great state of Kentucky will also be involved. Deac McCaskill and Peyton Sellers are also entered in the Late Model event.

NASCAR fans love the Burton family, and seeing Ward race again will get plenty of motorsport fans excited for this event.

Orange County Speedway is a track with NASCAR history. Ward picked up one of his four Xfinity Series (Busch Grand National Series) wins at the 1993 race. Now, 30 years after that Roses Stores 300, Burton is back!

It's happening….. @JebBurtonRacing convinced me to get back behind the wheel. Excited to have some fun Orange County Speedway for the Rogers Heating & Cooling Orange Krush 200. For pre-sale tickets (limited quantity for discount) visit https://t.co/xG1wKunA1i pic.twitter.com/UJdMWolM8r
— Ward Burton (@WardBurtonWBWF) January 5, 2024

The Orange Krush 200 will have a $75,000 purse. So, there is a lot to compete for in this race. A full entry list is going to be released as the race gets closer.

Ward Burton getting back in the race car

While it has been a long time since he has raced, Ward Burton is a driver through and through. I’m sure that he’s going to have a lot of fun in this event. I wouldn’t be shocked to see another Burton or two get into this race.

When NASCAR drivers end their careers, many like to keep a low profile. Ward loves the outdoors and finds peace there. So, we don’t get to see him do things like this all that much. That means we need to appreciate it while we can.

Seeing Jeb and Mayfield in the race is good too. NASCAR fans are going to get really excited as this race gets closer and closer. Not only will you see some fan favorites from years past, but you are also going to be helping wildlife efforts in the process.

Does Ward have a shot at winning this thing? Everyone says they’ve got one more left in them, maybe this is the “one more” for the former NASCAR star.

This article first appeared on 5 GOATs and was syndicated with permission.

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