Ward Burton has five career Cup wins. Credit: Autostock

Daytona meetings could result in ride for Burton

Ward confirms talks with 'one main team;' Toyota not an option

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Ward Burton strode around the garage area at Daytona International Speedway, hardly looking like the man who hasn't raced in 18 months.

Dressed in a crisp collared shirt and pants, Burton arrived at Daytona for a pair of meetings that he hopes will put him in a Nextel Cup car for the first time since 2004. He planned to return home on Friday night.

As NASCAR.COM's David Newton reported earlier this week, Burton is talking to a pair of established programs, and Burton reiterated on Friday that a Toyota is not among them.

Currently, Robert Yates Racing and Chip Ganassi Racing have seats available.

"No, I have not been talking to Toyota. One main team," Burton said. "I'd love to hook up with the established team I am talking to. We are talking to a couple of sponsors, one in particular on our side; I am hoping we can make it come to fruition."

Burton is 44 years old, but he says he has been working out in anticipation of a return to the seat.

"I have a real good outlook, I think, being away for a year," Burton said. "It has given me some time to reflect on my strengths and weaknesses and what I can do better. Physically I know I am ready to go, I have been training like I always have."

Burton was released from his job at Haas CNC Racing at the close of the 2004 season, and NASCAR went on to drastically change the Nextel Cup Series rules a few months later. Among those changes were a shorter spoiler, but Burton says he won't have trouble adapting.

"Every year when you are in this sport, it changes," Burton said. "There is always some rule change that affects the team and that is why you saw one team that had their act together one year and they wouldn't the next. You had to constantly adjust to the nature of the vehicles."