Rick Hendrick watches William Byron‘s unlikely Daytona 500 win from the edge of his seat, feeling the tension of the final lap. With the race looking like another loss for Hendrick Motorsports, the unexpected happened. A dramatic twist shook up the field, and William Byron surged to victory in a way that left Hendrick in disbelief. Meanwhile, Kyle Busch, who had everything on the line, was left heartbroken. What happened on that final lap was nothing short of a Daytona 500 thriller.
Key Highlights
- William Byron’s unexpected victory came after a dramatic last-lap incident cleared his path.
- Rick Hendrick watched the race from home, expressing disbelief at Byron’s surge to victory.
- Byron’s win made him the youngest driver to achieve back-to-back Daytona 500 victories.
- Hendrick Motorsports achieved their 10th Daytona 500 win, surpassing Petty Enterprises’ record.
- Kyle Busch’s race ended in disappointment due to a late crash and NASCAR’s Damage Vehicle Policy.
The Daytona 500 Race and William Byron’s Victory
Although the Daytona 500 is renowned for its excitement and unpredictability, this year’s race stretched the patience of everyone involved due to its extended duration. Lasting over six hours, delays from inclement weather and numerous wrecks transformed NASCAR’s largest event into an exercise in endurance, testing drivers and fans similarly.
However, amidst the chaos, William Byron emerged as a master of timing and skill. The 27-year-old driver seized a rare opportunity during a heart-pounding last-lap incident. As cars collided in a dramatic display, Byron exhibited remarkable composure, navigating through the turmoil with precision and securing his additional consecutive victory.
His accomplishment not only etched his name into the history books as the youngest driver to achieve back-to-back wins at Daytona but also captivated audiences with his adeptness under strain. Such a feat highlighted Byron’s tactical brilliance, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the world of NASCAR racing.
Rick Hendrick’s Reaction and Absence at the Finish Line
Rick Hendrick watched the dramatic finale of the Daytona 500 unfold from the comfort of his home in North Carolina, a surprising absence for the legendary owner of Hendrick Motorsports.
Known for witnessing historic milestones firsthand, Hendrick’s decision to leave during a rain delay added intrigue to an already suspenseful event. As William Byron powered to victory, Hendrick experienced the climactic finish remotely, a rare occurrence for someone so intrinsically linked to the sport’s biggest moments.
Despite his absence at the track, Hendrick was quick to return to Daytona Beach on Monday morning for the formal championship celebration.
His reaction to the race’s thrilling resolution was captured in an interview with Bob Pockrass, where he shared insights into the dramatic ending.
Rick Hendrick’s Shock and William Byron’s Victory in the Final Lap
As the dust settled on Rick Hendrick’s unexpected absence at the Daytona 500’s finale, the spotlight shifted to the electric final lap where William Byron emerged victorious.
Entering turn 3 in sixth place, Byron seemed a distant contender. However, a dramatic twist unfolded as Denny Hamlin, Austin Cindric, and Cole Custer clashed, spinning into a chaotic collision that cleared the path for Byron.
Rick Hendrick, watching in disbelief, recounted the moment with FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass, “I was in shock. I had no idea what was going on.”
“I was in shock. I had no idea what was going on. Then I saw him [William Byron] come off the corner. I said ‘We’re gonna win this thing’.” – Rick Hendrick
Rock Hendrick flew home during the rain delay. How he said he reacted on the final lap when William Byron emerged as the Daytona 500 winner: @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/AlUcexq2sO
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 17, 2025
The tension was palpable, the peak of split-second decisions and racing instinct. Hendrick admitted to holding his breath, bracing himself for yet another disappointment.
The narrative of the race transformed in an instant, fortune smiling upon Byron as he surged to the checkered flag.
In the aftermath, Hendrick absorbed the unlikely victory, a reflection of the unpredictable nature of Daytona racing.
“I guess I was just a little numb because it’s the last lap. You’re just holding your breath.”
“You see guys like Kyle Busch that are disappointed, who’ve won everything but never got a chance [to win Daytona].” – Rick Hendrick
Kyle Busch’s Disappointment and NASCAR Procedures
Tension mounted as Kyle Busch’s Daytona 500 aspirations crumbled in the wake of a chaotic late-race crash.
The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion found himself entangled in a wreck triggered by Joey Logano and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., only 15 laps from the finish. Busch, who finished 34th, could only watch as his hopes of a coveted Daytona victory slipped away yet again.
Frustration simmered as he pointed to both Logano’s aggressive tactics and NASCAR’s procedures as culprits for his elimination.
Under NASCAR’s revised Damage Vehicle Policy, teams may conduct unlimited repairs provided the car initially achieves minimum speed on track—something Busch’s car failed to do under caution. “We got beat by NASCAR procedures again,” he lamented.
While Busch grappled with disappointment, Rick Hendrick, owner of Byron’s winning car, acknowledged the unpredictable nature of Daytona, reminding that in this race, fortunes can pivot in an instant.
Hendrick Motorsports’ Historic Milestone and Focus on the Future
A remarkable sense of achievement enveloped Hendrick Motorsports as they celebrated a historic milestone at the Daytona 500. William Byron’s victory marked their 10th success at this prestigious race, a record-breaking feat that surpassed the previous mark set by Petty Enterprises.
“And now, to have 10 of these. we’ve been so fortunate to have great drivers, great crew chiefs, and great teams.” – Rick Hendrick
Rick Hendrick, reflecting on this accomplishment, attributed their success to exceptional drivers, crew chiefs, and teams. Since Geoff Bodine’s inaugural win in 1986, a legacy of victory has been maintained, with wins spanning decades, symbolizing consistent excellence.
Despite this remarkable milestone, Hendrick’s focus remains firmly on the future. He expressed a resolute belief in potential further accomplishments, emphasizing that the team’s expedition is far from over.
The competitive landscape, with formidable teams like Joe Gibbs Racing and Team Penske, guarantees that the path forward remains challenging. Yet, Hendrick Motorsports remains poised, intent on reclaiming their Cup Series glory, undeterred by past success, and driven by future possibilities.
News in Brief: Rick Hendrick Watches William Byron’s Unlikely Daytona 500 Win
William Byron’s thrilling victory at the Daytona 500 left Rick Hendrick stunned, a demonstration of the race’s unpredictable nature and Byron’s tenacity. As the final lap unfolded, Hendrick Motorsports celebrated a historic milestone, setting the stage for future successes.
Kyle Busch’s disappointment highlighted the fierce competition, with NASCAR’s procedures ensuring a fair and exciting event. Hendrick, though absent at the finish line, felt the pulse of the moment, marking a notable chapter in racing history.
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