Burton Signed to Drive for RCR’s No. 30 AOL Team
Written by Josh Katinger · August 13, 2004
Childress & Burton to hold press conference Friday at Watkins Glen
WELCOME, N.C. (Aug. 12, 2004) — Richard Childress Racing (RCR) has signed Jeff Burton to a multi-year agreement to drive its No. 30 America Online Chevrolet beginning at next week’s GFS Marketplace 400 at Michigan International Speedway.
Burton, 37, competed in one NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race in 1993 before becoming a fulltime driver and earning rookie-of-the-year honors in 1994. In 352 series starts, he has earned 17 victories, two poles, 90 top-five and 147 top-10 finishes. The South Boston, Va., native finished in the top-10 in the championship point standings from 1997-2001. Burton also lays claim to 20 victories, 63 top-five and 106 top-10 finishes in 239 starts in the NASCAR Busch Series.
“Jeff will bring a great deal of experience and knowledge to the America Online team and all of RCR,” said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “I know back in 1998 and 1999, Dale Earnhardt talked to Jeff quite a bit about driving the No. 3 car when he retired. Then Kevin [Harvick] came along and the plan shifted toward him but Jeff was still high on the list.
“I’ve really watched Jeff’s talent and his ability to race for a championship,” added Childress. “He is a driver who knows how to get the job done and we’re going to give him what it takes to be a championship contender.”
Childress and Burton will hold a media conference in the Watkins Glen International infield media center Friday, Aug. 13, at 10:00 a.m. EDT.
“I have always had the utmost respect for Richard Childress, and we’re both dedicated to winning and running up front every week,” said Burton. “This opportunity gives me a fresh start with a proven organization that is committed to success both on and off the track. I look forward to getting back into Victory Lane with RCR and I will work extremely hard to carry on the winning tradition.
“Since 1996, I have enjoyed some of the greatest days of my life with the No. 99 Roush Racing team,” continued Burton. “I will forever be grateful to Jack Roush, my driving teammates and my crew. I wish only the best for the entire organization.”
“America Online is very excited to have a driver of Jeff’s caliber in the seat of the No. 30 car,” said J.D. Ettore, America Online’s Director, National Brand Promotions & Sponsorships. “We are thrilled to have a multi-race winner driving for and representing America Online. America Online has a lot of respect for Jeff and his abilities and we, along with RCR, want to welcome him and look forward to great things with him.”
-RCR-
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