Behind the Scenes with a NASCAR WAG: Kim Burton

 

The widely accepted “mayor” of the Sprint Cup Series garage is RCR driver Jeff Burton.  And from the time Burton was fifteen, he’s been supported by “Mrs. Mayor”, Kim Burton.

Kim has been seen driving the No. 31 car during the Pit Crew Challenge but outside of being the sister in law and wife of famous NASCAR drivers she leads her own busy life.

Marriage

Kim and Jeff are the true definition of high school sweethearts.  They started dating when Kim was fourteen and grew up together.  While the racing industry has taken its toll on many marriages, the Burtons have been together for 28 years and married for 18.

Kim’s advice for a successful marriage?
“My best advice for happiness would be to compromise, but you really have to have a genuine love for the other person starting out. I think sometimes people don't realize what genuine love is when they first get together. We have a genuine love for each other and a genuine want for the other person to be happy. That is so important. If you only worry about yourself and not your partner it's pretty clear you're not going to stay together.”

Children

Kim is a doting mother in addition to her working life.  She has a 14-year-old daughter named Paige who dreams of becoming an Olympic level equestrian and a 9-year-old son named Harrison who is following in the Burton family’s footsteps on the track.

Keeping her children healthy prompted Kim to become a spokesperson for Libby’s Vegetables “Eating at Home” campaign in 2009.  She believes that meal time around the table with family is important and it is a cause close to her heart.

Her Career

Burton co-owns Pro Sports Marketing and Management in North Carolina with George Harris.  Seven years ago, Harris approached Jeff about joining him in the company.  When Jeff said he wasn’t interested, Kim jumped in with both feet.

Kim does not spend every day at the office, instead leaving the majority of the work to her trusted employees.  She joined in on ownership with the company in order to have her own identity away from her husband and it has certainly worked so far.

Photo: nascarracemom.blogspot.com

Down to Earth

Kim’s main hobby is horseback riding with her daughter.  She can be found in the barn when she needs a little down time from her busy schedule. 

Kim is one of the most down to earth wives in the garage and is willing to lend a helping hand whenever it is needed.  Just like her husband, this NASCAR wife promotes the good image of the sport in everything she does.