After finishing P3 in the last NASCAR season, William Byron’s recent Daytona 500 win has vaulted him into the list of the most consistent drivers. Over the past three seasons, Byron has consistently finished in the top six in the final driver standings. Despite a dip in victories last season compared to 2023, from six wins to three, his victorious start to the current season has set high expectations.
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In fact, according to the NASCAR Insights Page, “William Byron has finished top 6 in the last 8 NASCAR Cup Series races, the longest run by a driver since Martin Truex Jr in 2020. William is just the 6th driver to do this in the last 25 YEARS and the first Hendrick Motorsports driver to do so since Jimmie Johnson in 2004-2005.”
Furthermore, “Byron is now the 3rd youngest driver to ever accomplish this: Jeff Gordon (25y 1m) Richard Petty (26y 1m) William Byron (27y 2m).” In last year’s playoff races, he secured top-6 finishes in three out of ten races and placed in the top-4 in five. Despite these achievements, according to his boss, Rick Hendrick, Byron is tirelessly honing his skills on short tracks.
Following his second consecutive Daytona 500 win, when Hendrick approached the #24 driver to offer congratulations, Byron’s response was: “We’ve got some work to do. I’m not where I need to be on short tracks.” Hendrick observed that Byron is not one to bask in the glow of his achievements, rather once he accomplishes one goal, he immediately sets his sights on the next challenge.
The HMS owner further pointed out that while many drivers lean on their natural talent to win races, Byron’s approach is different; he is always dissatisfied, always seeking to refine his skills in various aspects of racing.
Contrary to expectations, including those of his boss Hendrick, that Byron might spend the day following his Sunday win reveling in his consecutive Daytona 500 victories, the HMS driver was already focused on further improving his performance.
This tireless dedication is likely what has elevated the #24 driver to the consistency level of NASCAR stalwarts like Jimmie Johnson and Martin Truex Jr.
Although his performance at the previous Ambetter Health 400 race might not have been particularly stellar, since he finished in the top 10 during the 2024 Cup playoffs during the second race on the track, fans are keen to see him leverage the momentum forward.
