Burton to receive award for sportsmanship in Texas

WELCOME, N.C. -- Richard Childress Racing driver Jeff Burton will join the ranks of some of the greatest names in motorsports when he receives this year's Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame Sportsmanship Award.

"I am extremely honored that I have been chosen to receive this prestigious award," said Burton, who drives the No. 31 Chevrolet for RCR. "To have my name associated with great racers who have been inducted into the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame is truly an honor. Many of the inductees are men that I have admired over the years and have the utmost respect for."

The Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame annually awards the best performers who exemplify excellence in racing both on and off the track. Nominees to the Hall of Fame are determined by a panel of motorsports media throughout Texas, including representatives from print and broadcast outlets in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. This year's inductees include NHRA veteran racer Eddie Hill and NASCAR team owner Roger Penske. Fellow NASCAR driver Tony Stewart will also be honored at the induction ceremony.

The South Boston, Va., native is in his 15th year of Cup Series competition, posting 18 victories to date, and currently sits second in the championship point standings. Burton captured his first Cup Series win at the inaugural Texas Motor Speedway event on April 6, 1997. The win came in his 96th career start. In addition to his driving duties, Burton is a long time supporter and contributor to the Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center in Durham, N.C.

Burton, along with other award winners will be honored at the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on April 11 at Texas Motor Speedway's Grand Ballroom. Proceeds from the event, in association with Speedway Children's Charities, go to Happy Hill Farm in Granbury, Texas, an academy and home for disadvantaged children.