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Harrison Burton will conclude his association with AM Racing after the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. Both Burton and AM Racing have confirmed their intention to announce their respective plans for 2026 at a later date. This decision comes after a season where Burton significantly boosted the team's performance, achieving career-best top-five and top-ten results and guiding them to their inaugural Xfinity Series Playoff appearance.

Burton's departure from AM Racing signifies a new chapter in his racing career, which has seen its share of transitions. After a challenging stint in the Cup Series from 2022 to 2024, where he secured only two top-five and six top-ten finishes, he returned to the Xfinity Series with AM Racing. His unexpected victory at Daytona in 2024, which propelled him into the Cup playoffs, served as a poignant reminder of his potential despite prior struggles. Both Burton and the team expressed mutual appreciation for their time together, acknowledging the progress made and extending best wishes for future endeavors.

Harrison Burton's Impact on AM Racing's 2025 Season

Harrison Burton's single season with AM Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series proved to be a pivotal one for the team, as he was instrumental in elevating their performance to new heights. Through his dedication and skill, Burton secured a spot in the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series playoffs and achieved team-record top-five and top-ten finishes, marking a significant improvement for an organization that had previously ranked outside the top 30. His contributions underscore the profound influence a driver can have on a team's trajectory, transforming a smaller entity into a competitive force within the league. His leadership and racing prowess provided a strong foundation for AM Racing's success, demonstrating his ability to inspire and deliver results under pressure.

Burton's role extended beyond just on-track performance; he instilled a renewed sense of purpose and competitiveness within AM Racing. Despite the upcoming separation, the team acknowledged his invaluable impact, highlighting his professionalism and the tangible progress achieved during his tenure. His efforts not only brought measurable success but also elevated the team's profile within the NASCAR community. This season served as a testament to his resilient spirit and commitment, reinforcing his reputation as a formidable talent capable of leading a team to unexpected achievements. The mutual expressions of gratitude from both parties signify a respectful conclusion to their partnership, paving the way for future opportunities for both the driver and the team.

The Road Ahead: Burton's Future and AM Racing's Next Steps

As Harrison Burton prepares to leave AM Racing at the end of the 2025 season, both he and the team are looking forward to new opportunities and will soon disclose their plans for 2026. Burton's racing journey has been dynamic, characterized by a return to the Xfinity Series after a challenging period in the Cup Series, where he faced difficulties despite an unexpected win at Daytona that led to a playoff appearance. His experience at both levels of NASCAR has undoubtedly shaped his perspective and prepared him for whatever challenges lie ahead, and he expressed enthusiasm for his next chapter, eager to announce his future endeavors. This period marks a strategic turning point for a driver keen on leveraging his recent successes.

The announcement of Burton's departure signals a period of transition for AM Racing as well. The team has praised Burton for his significant contributions, which included leading them to their first-ever Xfinity Series Playoff appearance and setting new team records for top-five and top-ten finishes. His presence clearly fostered a competitive environment and pushed the team to achieve new milestones. AM Racing is now tasked with finding a successor who can continue this upward trajectory, and they have indicated that details regarding their 2026 driver and program will be revealed in due course. The future holds promises of growth and adaptation for both Harrison Burton and the AM Racing organization, as they each forge separate paths in the competitive world of NASCAR.

A significant transformation is on the horizon for MotoGP, as discussions between teams and the promoter, Dorna, are leading towards the dissolution of the current divide between manufacturer-backed and privateer squads. This strategic realignment, set to fully take effect by 2027, marks a pivotal moment for the sport, signaling an intent to foster greater competitive balance and financial equity among all participants.

This evolution in MotoGP's structure is heavily influenced by the new ownership under Liberty Media, the same entity that holds the commercial rights to Formula 1. The goal is to mirror F1's model, where all teams operate under a more unified financial framework. This means that from 2027 onwards, every team will be classified as independent, receiving comparable financial backing from Dorna. While the exact financial figures are still being finalized, the underlying principle is to ensure that the distribution of revenue is more equitable across the grid. Currently, private teams receive a fixed sum of €5 million to cover motorcycle leasing costs, while manufacturers get €3 million for supplying prototypes. This impending change seeks to streamline this system and encourage broader investment. The recent acquisition of Tech3 by an investment group led by former Haas F1 principal Guenther Steiner, and KTM's exploration into selling a stake in its racing division, exemplify this trend of new capital flowing into the sport, adopting a multi-shareholder model prevalent in F1, such as Mercedes' grand prix team.

The proactive steps taken by MotoGP to redefine its team structure reflect a forward-thinking approach to ensure the sport's long-term sustainability and appeal. By moving towards a more unified and financially balanced ecosystem, MotoGP is not only enhancing fairness on the track but also opening new avenues for commercial growth and innovation. This bold move will undoubtedly shape the future of motorcycle racing, making it more dynamic and accessible for teams and investors alike, ultimately benefiting the fans with a more competitive and thrilling spectacle.