Longhorn Chassis builder Kevin Rumley hinted that SSI Motorsports crew chief Anthony Burroughs is likely to leave the team as the 2024 season wraps up.
Ricky Thornton Jr. via FloRacing.com
In an interview with Kenny Wallace on his YouTube channel, Rumley, who describes Burroughs as the best in the business, was asked if he would be moving teams at the end of the season.
Wallace questioned, “So now, Anthony, from what I hear-. Are these crew chiefs staying still or are they constantly leaving teams and going to the next team? What’s Anthony going to do?”
Rumley answered, “I think you’ll see some dominoes start to fall here as the point seasons are winding down. So I think we’ll work very close with Anthony in the future.”
Wallace then pressed, “Will Hudson O’Neal stay in that car and will he run slower? Are they going to-? I mean if Anthony leaves, what’s he going to do?”
Rumley replied, “So Hudson O’Neal was one of my favorite drivers to work with this year. We found some success winning two races and running very well at The Dream. So we consider him family. So we’ll make sure he’s well taken care of in the future. He’s going to be a bright young star. He’s 23 years old. And if you talk to him it’s like he’s 23 going on 50. So as he matures as a driver he’s going to be very good.”
Hudson O’Neal, Ricky Thornton Jr., and Garrett Alberson at Shelby County. Photo Credit: Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
O’Neal echoed Rumley’s accounts about being family in a Facebook post recapping his year.
O’Neal wrote, “Made a tough decision this past March to walk away from the #1 ride in the country. We were very successful, but sometimes big checks and money isn’t everything. Walked away with no ‘what’s next’ plans.”
“Kevin Rumley called immediately when he heard the news. We were just racing together to have fun and keep my feet wet. Not really sure where it was going to lead. Thank you to the whole entire Rumley family for stepping up for us. We made friends for a lifetime,” he stated.
Hudson O’Neal on Facebook
The post also included a prominent photo of him and Rumley.
Hudson O’Neal on Facebook
Rumley’s comments come in the wake of a rumor that O’Neal and SSI Motorsports might switch from Longhorns to Rockets for next year. Justin Fiedler of DIRTRACKR shared, “I do think this is a team that could be in play for a chassis change. SSI was a Longhorn team with [Ricky Thornton Jr.] and O’Neal spent the rest of the season in Longhorns after going through various teams after leaving Rocket.”
He added, “But I’ve heard a few rumblings about this one and O’Neal has had significant success in Rockets in his career. A move here would not shock me.”
Fielder was not the only one to share this information, dirt super late model insider Racin’ Jason informed Stock Car Report that he also heard that SSI Motorsports was looking to switch to Rockets from Longhorn.
What do you make of Kevin Rumley’s comments?
NEXT: Ricky Thornton Jr. Hopeful Partnership With Koehler To Last “Many Years”