Birthdate: October 25, 1961
Martial Status: Married
Children: Three
Home Town: South Boston, Virginia
Residence: Halifax, Virginia
Hobbies: Wildlife Preservation
It’s no secret that Ward Burton has long been one of NASCAR’s crown jewels. Adored by fans and respected by his peers, the South Boston, Va., native is well known for his laid-back demeanor and determination to succeed, as well as his talent. Burton, who has a great love for the outdoors and operates the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation, returns full-time to the Nextel Cup Series in 2007, driving the famed #4 Chevrolet for Morgan-McClure Motorsports.
Burton, the 2002 Daytona 500 Champion, is entering his 12th full season in the Nextel Cup Series. With five career victories and a pair of top-10 finishes in the NASCAR standings, his stats speak for themselves.
Like most drivers, Ward Burton had an early beginning to his racing career, competing in the Virginia Karting Association from ages eight to sixteen. Moving to the South Boston speedway, Burton competed in Mini-Stocks and Street Stocks, before moving to the Late Model class in 1986. Three years later, Burton won three races and the “Most Popular Driver” award at the Virginia track.
In 1990, Burton moved to the NASCAR Busch Series, posting three top-10 finishes and finishing runner-up in the Rookie-of-the-Year Standings. He took the series by storm in 1992 with with four victories.
In 1994, Burton advanced to NASCAR’s top series, scoring a Bud Pole award and a top-five finish. The following year, while driving for Bill Davis Racing, the Virginia native took the checkered flag during the fall event at Rockingham.
Over the next nine seasons, Burton would score six additional Pole awards and four victories, including two wins at Darlington, seen as the toughest on the circuit. His win in the 2001 Southern 500 added him to a select group of drivers, including David Pearson and Dale Earnhardt, to have multiple wins at Darlington.
In 2002, Burton capped off every driver’s dream with a victory in the Daytona 500. Now, joining forces with Morgan-McClure Motorsports, Burton hopes the all-Virginia connection will provide solid results, getting both back to victory lane.
Ward has been a satisfied State Water Heaters user since the mid-1990’s when he selected a large State gas unit to handle the hot water needs of his Halifax, Va. home.
