Burton says Childress isn’t to blame for RCR’s problems

Burton: RCR turning corner in Chase-less year

CONCORD, N.C. — Jeff Burton says Richard Childress shouldn’t be held solely responsible for the way his NASCAR teams have struggled this year.

All four RCR drivers missed the Chase for the championship this year after putting three drivers in NASCAR’s playoffs in 2007 and 2008.

The veteran driver said Thursday the entire RCR program didn’t adapt quickly enough to the changes in the sport in the last year, and the lack of offseason testing hurt RCR more than other teams.

Burton, who is 18th in points heading into Saturday night’s race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, said he feels the team has turned the corner in the last few weeks.

Burton will make his 850th NASCAR start during Friday’s Nationwide Series race, tying him with Bill Elliott for 11th on the all-time list.