Aside from the hot subjects of Chase tweaks, bump ‘n runs, and what’s next for Robert Yates Racing, remains a topic that has been a consistently-discussed one among many NASCAR fans for quite a while: when Ward Burton will find the right ride and return to racing.

The soft-spoken, one-time Daytona 500 winner has made his passion for the great outdoors as much a part of his persona as his racing accomplishments. Since he stepped from his last ride in the Cup series in the No. 0 Net Zero Chevy in 2004, he has been very busy with this aspect of his life. From being named to Virginia Board of Game and Inland Fisheries to being one of five judges for the Federal Duck Stamp Contest, Burton has had the time to indulge in this aspect of his life. But his desire to return to a quality ride in NASCAR has not faltered, and neither has the enthusiasm of his fans.

Increasingly when a ride becomes available, Burton’s name swells to the forefront as a possibility. It seems the hottest of the recent rumors has him being named as the third driver in Michael Waltrip’s 2007 Toyota racing team. For his devoted fans, any announcement that Burton is returning would be something to celebrate.

“I’ve been a hardcore fan since Ward drove a Buick in the Busch series,” said a woman waiting in line at a Pennsylvania NASCAR souvenir shop, when the subject of Ward’s return to racing was brought up by some other shoppers. “I was at the Southern 500 race at Darlington in 2001 when Ward won, and I sat and cried when he won the Daytona 500 in 2002. I know that he’s a winner; he just needs the right ride.”

That sentiment encapsulates the thoughts of many NASCAR fans out there. When, not if, Ward Burton returns to racing, he will be welcomed back warmly by a legion of happy fans.