A power steering issue in the latter portions of Stage Two of the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway put Harrison Burton and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team out of the race for an extended period and out of championship contention.
Burton started Saturday’s race from 34th place and moved up to 30th by Lap 25. He was 28th by Lap 60, but fell a lap down by Lap 87. He ended the first 125-lap Stage in 29th place, one lap down.
After a pit stop during the Stage break, he began to move forward and was working toward the Free Pass position when the steering issues sent him dropping through the field and eventually to pit road on Lap 233.
“It just got to where I couldn’t make corrections and my arms were just so tired that I couldn’t do any more,” Burton told reporters after the race.
After a lengthy repair, the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang Dark Horse returned to the race and moved up two positions to 35th place at the finish, 78 laps in arrears.
Burton wound up being among the four Playoff drivers who did not advance to the Round of 12 of the 2024 Playoffs.
He remains in 16th place in the points standing, and can finish as high as fifth place as he and the other Playoff drivers will continue to compete for points for the remainder of the season.
“It’s a really sad way to end it, but really proud of our guys,” Burton said. “They changed the rack really fast and got a new pump in it. We gained a couple spots just from guys wiping themselves out.
“We didn’t quit, but obviously a frustrating way to go. I’m happy to have been a part of it. I’m proud of our guys for ending our relationship the right way and just hope to end the rest of the Playoffs strong because we still have a lot to gain total points wise if we can just get some good races together.
“We’re not quitting yet. We’ll be back and ready to go.”
Burton and the team now head to Kansas Speedway for next Sunday’s Hollywood Casino 400.