
Burton Answers Big
Every week since 2001, Jeff Burton has had to answer the same question from the media, from his sponsors, and most importantly from himself. When, if ever, will he be back in Victory Lane?
Come Monday morning, that smile on Jeff Burtons face had indicated that there is no more room for those types of questions anymore. No one will have enough time to talk about that 5-year drought that Burton has been shut out of Victory Lane. After his impressive year this season, and this Sundays equally impressive win in Dover, all questions will be reserved for the topic of the Championship.
Class, is the first word to come to mind when the topic of Burton comes up with race fans, and there is no better word to describe his victory on Sunday. Facing off with Kenseth in the last 25 laps, could have turned ugly quick. Both drivers were racing their cars sideways through all the corners, and the slightest attitude could have resulted in intentional wreckage. Kenseth did his best to defend his lead against Burton, who had been riding his bumper for over 10 laps, and Burton could have easily stripped the lead with the bump-and-run, but stayed true to his character. With less then 5 laps left in the race, Burton made his move like he has been doing it his whole career, classy.
Burton looked great in Victory Lane, and the emotion that came with it left smiles, miles deep into the Chase for the Cup. With the question that had haunted him for five years in his rearview mirror: his windshield, along with the next question, turns its focus on the Championship.
With 8 races left in the season, and a 6-point lead in the league standings, Burton will welcome the change of dialogue with a smile just as big as his win in Dover.