INDIANAPOLIS – Jeff Burton entered the 2021 SRO America sports car competition with new equipment and a little apprehension in the new GT3 class.
But the personable Utah businessman/racer and his Rearden Racing turned that apprehension into impressive results with seven podium finishes in the GT America SROGT3 division including a Watkins Glen overall victory, three runner-up placings and three thirds in the No. 191 Burton Lumber/Rearden Racing Lamborghini Huracan GT3 sports car. Jeff has also three GT3 Masters wins in 2021.
There was an initial learning curve for the Rearden Racing team with the new Lamborghini and Burton blended his driving style with the new machine. Most recently, the Burton/Rearden combination has produced strong runs in the 40-minute sprint races as they prepare for this weekend’s (Oct. 15-17) doubleheader finale at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Burton is currently 2nd in the GT America point standings entering the Indy weekend as he makes his racing debut at the Brickyard. And Jeff is ready for the challenge.
“I came to IMS to race last year,” said Burton. “But we had some malfunctions with the Aston Martin, so I haven’t raced the track yet nor practiced. I was able to walk the course and learn a little bit. But I’m anxious to drive at that famous track. I hope the weather is good enough so it can be good racing this weekend. We want to continue our strong runs.”
In addition to the two GT America sprint events on Friday (Oct. 15 at 4:55 p.m. EDT) and Saturday (Oct. 16 at 12:05 p.m. EDT), Burton will partner with his regular co-driver, veteran Vesko Kozarov, in the Fanatec GT World Challenge 3-Hour race set for Sunday (Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. EDT) in the No. 91 Burton Lumber/Rearden Racing Lamborghini Huracan GT3 mount. They have recorded fourth and fifth places in GT World Challenge ProAm action this year.
“It’s a busy weekend for Jeff and the team with the two different series at Indy,” said Lara Tallman, team owner of Rearden Racing. “But our Rearden Racing crew is prepared to handle all of the events scheduled for the weekend. It’s been an impressive year with Jeff and the team learning about the new Lamborghini Hurcan GT3 car and improving with each race. Now, we would love to finish off the year with more appearances on the victory podium.”
Burton and the Rearden Racing squad hit the iconic IMS road course starting Thursday (Oct. 14) at 9:15 a.m. EDT with the GT America opening rounds of practice with qualifying set for 10:50 a.m. Friday (Oct. 15). GT America Race 1 at Indy begins at 4:55 p.m. Friday with Race 1 set for Saturday at 12:05 p.m. EDT.
For Burton and Kozarov, GT World Challenge activities are scheduled for 11:20 a.m. EDT Friday and qualifying at 2 p.m. EDT Saturday. The 3-Hour green flag drops Sunday at 10 a.m. EDT.
The Fanatec GT World Challenge America event will be televised on Sunday, Oct. 17, at 12 p.m. EDT on the CBS Sports Network. The GT America highlights will be shown on CBS Sports Network on Wednesday (Oct. 27) at 8 p.m. EDT with an encore presentation on Thursday (Oct. 28) at 12 a.m. EDT.