Harrison Burton could be heading to Peterson Racing for the 2027 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season, according to a new report from a trsuted NASCAR-focused Instagram account.
Stock Car Rumors & Nostalgia posted on Friday, October 9: “Good morning all, I hear it’s expected that Harrison Burton has joined Peterson Racing for their 2nd entry in 2027”
The report points to Peterson’s second car, which the team is preparing to run next season. Neither Burton nor Peterson Racing has officially confirmed the reported move as of Friday.
But the timing is interesting. Burton is expected to announce his 2027 plans on Saturday morning at Charlotte Motor Speedway, giving this rumor a chance to be cleared up very soon.
Peterson Racing Is Adding a Second Car
Peterson Racing confirmed on October 5 that it will expand to two full-time cars in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series next season. The team teased an upcoming announcement but had not identified the driver, sponsor or number for its second entry.
That creates an opening for Burton, who is currently driving the No.24 Toyota for Sam Hunt Racing. A move to Peterson would give him a new team for a third consecutive season in the series, following his time with AM Racing in 2025 and Sam Hunt Racing in 2026.
Peterson has already named Lee Pulliam for its No.87 entry in 2027. Burton is now being linked to the team’s new car, although the details of that reported deal remain unconfirmed.
Burton Said His 2027 Plans Were Still Open
Sep 18, 2026; Bristol, Tennessee, USA; Sam Hunt Racing driver Harrison Burton (24) pits during the Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Just two days before the rumor surfaced, Burton spoke with Frontstretch about his future.
Asked where things stood for next season, he said: “Yeah, it’s still in the works. A lot’s up in the air for me.”
Burton added that he had nothing signed at the time, although he was confident he would be racing somewhere in 2027.
Burton had not publicly named a team, and Peterson had an unconfirmed second seat available. The new report now connects those two pieces.
An Announcement Is Expected Saturday
Chris Knight also reported that Burton has a team announcement press conference scheduled for Saturday, October 10, at 9:30 a.m. ET, with the expectation that he will reveal his 2027 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series plans.
That does not independently confirm Peterson Racing as Burton’s destination, but it means the wait for an answer may be short.
Burton has already experienced the Cup Series, winning at Daytona with Wood Brothers Racing in 2024 before returning to the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. His 2026 season with Sam Hunt Racing has been difficult, with six DNFs and three top-10 finishes, according to Frontstretch’s recent report.
A move to Peterson would give him another opportunity to establish himself in the series, while helping a growing team fill its second car.
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