2022 saw the first season where Jordan Anderson Racing had a fulltime driver under their umbrella. Myatt Snider drove the 31 car admirably, but the results were less than what the organization was hoping for. However, the team did not simply replace the departing Snider. Instead, they added a second fulltime team and driver for 2023. In the 31 would be rookie Parker Retzlaff. Meanwhile, Jeb Burton would be joining his third different team in as many seasons. Expectations were difficult to pinpoint for Jordan Anderson Racing. At minimum, the organization wanted to flash improvement compared to their efforts in 2022.
Jeb Burton – #27
2023 Stat Line:Â 33 Starts – 1 Win, 1 Top-5, 6 Top-10s, 18 Laps Led, Avg Fin 15.6
Crew Chief: Shane Whitbeck
Driver Points Ranking: 12; Owner Points Ranking: 12
Notable Results: Won at Talladega; Eliminated in the Round of 12 of the playoffs
For the newly formed 27 team, Jordan Anderson Racing picked journeyman driver Jeb Burton to pilot the car. Burton, who drove for Our Motorsports in 2022, was not an exciting pick. However, he usually keeps the car in one piece and runs within the Top-20. Although his time with Kaulig Racing was a disappointment, Burton is a good enough driver to help establish a new team. For Burton, the hope would be to drive well enough to remain with a team for two straight seasons.
Once again in his career, Jeb Burton managed to pull out a win at Talladega. Though this time, the race went the full distance. With the win, Burton locked both himself and his car into the playoffs. In their third season, Jordan Anderson Racing would have a car in the playoffs.
Outside of the win, Jeb Burton put together a solid mid-tier equipment season. His lone Top-5 was the win at Talladega. While he had a better average finish than his teammate, he had one less Top-10. Based on these results, there were no expectations for Burton entering the playoffs. It was no surprise when he was bounced fairly unceremoniously after the first round.
2023 Grade: C+
In improved equipment (compared to 2022), Jeb Burton put up respectable numbers. Jordan Anderson Racing does not have the equipment to bolster Burton into top contention. At the same time, Burton is not talented enough to drag the equipment to better finishes. All in all, Burton’s results are fair for what many expected. The win at Talladega helped boost the season, as the team made the playoffs.
Outside of the win, the only other time Burton was noticeable in the Xfinity Series was during his beefs with other drivers. His primary rival for the 2023 season was Chandler Smith. After the Portland race, Burton and Smith got into an altercation that required team members to split them up.
2024 Outlook
For the first time in his career, Jeb Burton will be racing back-to-back fulltime seasons with the same team. His 2023 performance (and funding) did enough to warrant another opportunity in the 27 car. Now the question is if Burton can improve upon his moderate success. While that will partially depend on improved equipment, Burton will need to get more out of the equipment he is handed. No one is going to expect Burton to win multiple races and be a championship contender. However, double digit Top-10s and more time competing for Top-5s should be attainable.
Parker Retzlaff – #31
2023 Stat Line:Â 33 Starts – 1 Top-5, 7 Top-10s, 12 Laps Led, Avg Finish 17.9
Crew Chief: Joshua Graham
Driver Points Ranking: 16; Owner Points Ranking: 18
Notable Results: Top-5 in opening race at Daytona; 3 straight Top-5 starts from Martinsville to Dover
Parker Retzlaff rounded out the three rookies for the 2023 season. Retzlaff impressed in his 9 starts with RSS Racing and Our Motorsports, especially with RSS Racing. With RSS Racing, Retzlaff picked up his first Top-10 at Richmond and ran inside the Top-15 in each of his starts. The move to Jordan Anderson Racing for the full season was a great next step for the young driver. While it was unlikely he would beat either Smith for Rookie of the Year, his limited Xfinity starts implied that he could make some noise.
The season started off strongly for Retzlaff, as he picked up his lone Top-5 in the Daytona opener. However, the struggles came quickly after that. While Retzlaff would pick up Top-10s at Talladega and Charlotte, the rookie struggled to string together quality races in a row. What was a bit disappointing about the results was how well Retzlaff was qualifying. Through the first 11 races, Retzlaff was averaging a starting position of 14.1. If you take out his lone non Top-20 start, that average reduces to 10.7. However, Retzlaff’s average finish during that stretch was a measly 18th.
On the plus side, Parker Retzlaff found his footing as the season came to an end. Starting with another Top-10 at Daytona, Retzlaff rattled off 7 Top-15s in the final 9 races. Hopefully, that positive end will turn into momentum for 2024.
2023 Grade: C-
Based on his qualifying efforts, Parker Retzlaff is able to get speed out of his equipment. Between the two Jordan Anderson Racing drivers, Retzlaff shows the most potential to break out. However, his 2023 definitely demonstrated the signs of a rookie campaign.
Where Retzlaff thrived in 2023 was on the superspeedways. In his 5 starts, he averaged a 12.2 finish. If not for his DNF in the first Atlanta race, that average improves to 8.4. 3 of his 7 Top-10s came on the superspeedways. Meanwhile, Retzlaff will need to improve his road racing abilities. The road courses were home to his biggest struggles of the year. 4 times did he finish outside the Top-20.
2024 Outlook
After his respectable rookie season, there were some wondering if Parker Retzlaff would leave Jordan Anderson Racing for a better ride. Richard Childress Racing seemed like a fit after the departure of Sheldon Creed. However, Retzlaff reupped to remain in the 31 car. The continuity should be great for the young driver, especially after how his season ended.
Retzlaff needs to demonstrate steady improvement from last season to this coming one. Once again, no one is expecting a Jordan Anderson Racing entry to be winning multiple races. However, turning those Top-15s into Top-10s would be a great push forward. With the talent Retzlaff has demonstrated, there is reason to expect an improvement in performance. Double digit Top-10s with a handful of Top-5s at non-superspeedway tracks should be the goal.
Jordan Anderson Racing Grade: B-
In their third year, Jordan Anderson Racing picked up their first win and playoff entry. The progression of the team is steadily improving. While they may lag behind other second tier Xfinity teams, it seems that Jordan Anderson Racing is going about their development in the proper way. Plus, Jordan Anderson himself got behind the wheel of the 27 car for one race at Daytona. The restraint to keep the operation to two fulltime teams is admirable.
As for 2024, the improvements need to continue. Both Jeb Burton and Parker Retzlaff should be battling for Top-10s more frequently this upcoming season. Superspeedways will likely remain the only track type that will give the team a chance to win. However, nothing is impossible. Aiming for another playoff entry is a lofty goal that may be out of reach without a win at Daytona, Atlanta, or Talladega. However, their two teams should battle to be within the Top-15 of points.
For other 2023 Season in Review articles, click the link(s) below:
Griffin Fuller
- Cup: Team Penske, Wood Brothers, Stewart-Haas Racing, Trackhouse Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, 23XI Racing, RFK Racing, The Money Team/Beard Motorsports
- Xfinity: Stewart-Haas Racing, AM Racing, JR Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, Kaulig Racing, Big Machine Racing
Robert Cwick – JTG-Daugherty, Live Fast, Front Row (Part 1), Front Row (Part 2), Legacy Motor ClubÂ
Daniel Smith (Statistical Breakdown)
- Cup: Team Penske/Wood Brothers, Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, 23XI & Legacy Motor Club, RFK/Front Row, Trackhouse/RCR, Stewart-Haas Racing, JTG/Rick Ware/Live Fast, Kaulig/Spire, Final Rankings
- Xfinity: Stewart-Haas/AM Racing, JR Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing/Sam Hunt Racing, RCR/Kaulig Racing, Big Machine/Jeremy Clements/BJ McLeod/Our Motorsports, Jordan Anderson/DGM, RSS Racing, JD Motorsports/SS Green Light Racing, Alpha Prime/Emerling-Gase, Final Rankings
- Trucks: Thorsports, GMS Racing, Niece Motorsports, TRICON Garage, McAnally-Hilgemann/Rackley W.A.R, Rev Racing/KBM, Front Row/Hattori/Halmar Friesen/AM Racing/Reaume Brother, CR7/Bret Holmes Racing/Hill Motorsports, Roper Racing/Young’s Motorsports, Final Rankings
