By Caleb Whisler, Staff Writer
Due to an illness, Harrison Burton has withdrawn from the UNOH 200 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Burton was scheduled to drive the No. 51 Hunt Brothers Pizza Toyota for Kyle Busch Motorsports. However, Christopher Bell will take over driving duties for the organization.
Burton is expected to return next weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park.
“I have been driving since I was four-years-old and have never missed a race,” Burton said in a statement. “I hate to let down my guys, but my doctors don’t believe I’m ready. Having to miss this race will give me even more motivation to come back stronger in Canada next week.”
Bell is the defending NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion. In just 53 starts, he has collected seven wins, 26 top-five and 41 top-10 finishes.
“It will be great to get back in a Tundra with KBM at Bristol, but I wish it was under better circumstances,” Bell said in a statement. “I hope Harrison feels better soon and I’m hoping I can get the Hunt Brothers Pizza Tundra into victory lane on his behalf Thursday night.”
Burton is still scheduled for five more races in the No. 51 Tundra.