Key Highlights
- William Byron invited Sabrina Carpenter to a NASCAR race following a viral Instagram DM that sparked romance rumors.
- Byron humorously denied any romantic involvement with Carpenter during a TMZ interview.
- Sabrina Carpenter was previously connected to NASCAR through her 2015 performance at the Sprint Cup Series Awards.
- The rumors gained traction as Byron’s breakup with Erin Blaney occurred around the same time.
- Byron’s playful attitude towards the rumors added excitement to both fans and the motorsport community.
The Viral “Hi” and William Byron’s Response
William Byron, fresh off his following consecutive Daytona 500 victory, found himself at the center of a social media frenzy. A screenshot purportedly showing Byron’s Instagram message, a mere “Hi” to pop star Sabrina Carpenter, went viral, sparking wild speculation about a budding romance.
Fans, always enthusiastic for a juicy story, quickly took to the internet with theories.
However, Byron was quick to respond. In a video shared on his social media, he humorously denied the rumors, with an unidentified voice stating, “That was not me.”
Despite this playful rebuttal, the internet’s excitement didn’t wane. Was it a slip of the thumb or a clever prank? The ambiguity only fueled the fire, keeping fans engaged.
The world of NASCAR had never seen such intrigue over a two-letter word, proving that even a “Hi” can race hearts.

William Byron’s Playful Response and Invitation
William Byron, rather than dodging the playful rumors swirling around him, decided to welcome the situation with a charming twist.
While many might retreat from the spotlight, Byron leaned into the joke, transforming it into a fanciful opportunity. As internet chatter linked him romantically with singer Sabrina Carpenter, Byron chose humor over silence.
In an interview with TMZ.com, he addressed the speculation head-on, denying any romantic ties but extending a light-hearted invitation to Carpenter.
Sabrina Carpenter Gets NASCAR Race Invite From Daytona 500 Winner William Byron | Click to read more 👇 https://t.co/cY1OlPvr5w
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) February 21, 2025
Byron suggested she attend a NASCAR race, mirroring the jest of their supposed connection, and even mentioned that he wouldn’t mind catching one of her concerts.
“They do a really good job with Photoshop nowadays,” Byron chuckled, referencing the viral images.
“You know, they do a really good job with Photoshop nowadays, so it was a good parody account. It’s like that NBA Central account, so yeah, they did a good job, but maybe we can get her out to a race or something, that’d be great, or I can get to a show, that’d be fun.” – William Byron
His candid, engaging approach not only amused fans but also showcased his ability to navigate rumors with charm. Carpenter’s response remains awaited, adding to the playful suspense that captivated their audiences.
William Byron’s Recent Breakup Adds Fuel to the Fire
The buzz around William Byron and Sabrina Carpenter took an amusing turn, but there’s more to the story that keeps fans talking.
Adding a twist, Byron’s recent breakup with Erin Blaney, Ryan Blaney’s sister, has intensified the rumors. After nearly four years together, their split seemed to happen just as Byron and Carpenter’s playful interaction went viral.
While Byron has remained silent about the breakup, fans speculate on the intriguing timing.
In the midst of these rumors, NASCAR driver Carson Hocevar added a dash of humor. Acting as Byron’s unofficial wingman, Hocevar lightheartedly praised Byron’s generosity, mentioning a borrowed Lamborghini and a jet ride from Daytona.
“Nice guy. Sabrina is lucky to have him,” Hocevar joked, sparking laughter among fans.
“Yeah, Byron, let me borrow his Lambo the other day and then flew me on his private jet back from Daytona right after he won. So, I appreciate (that). Nice guy. Sabrina is lucky to have him.” – William Byron
The combination of Byron’s recent breakup and Hocevar’s playful comments has created an entertaining narrative, leaving fans on the edge of their seats, enthusiastic for more developments.

Sabrina Carpenter’s Past NASCAR Connection
Although Sabrina Carpenter might seem like an unexpected guest in the world of roaring engines and speedy tracks, her past brushes with NASCAR tell a different story.
Back in 2015, a young Carpenter, at just 16 years old, graced the stage at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards in Las Vegas. She performed her hit song “We’ll Be the Stars,” capturing the audience with her powerful voice and introducing her music to the motorsport fans.
This performance marked her connection to NASCAR, showing that her presence in the racing world isn’t entirely new or unforeseen.
While Carpenter and William Byron may not have a confirmed personal connection, her history with NASCAR gave fans a reason to believe in a possible crossover.
The recent buzz around their interaction has added a playful twist to the motorsport scene, making fans wonder if this pop star might soon become a familiar face at the races.
William Byron’s Past Relationship with Erin Blaney
Even though William Byron and Erin Blaney’s relationship is now a thing of the past, it still brings a smile to NASCAR fans’ faces. Their romance became legendary, partly because of Erin’s brother, Ryan Blaney.
Imagine Ryan’s surprise when he uncovered his sister was dating a fellow racer through a friend. Some siblings might react with protective instincts, but Ryan took it all in stride, jokingly contemplating a pre-race tease but ultimately supporting their relationship. His laid-back attitude added a layer of humor to the mix, as fellow racers like Corey LaJoie and Clint Bowyer playfully weighed in.
Despite their four-year-long relationship reaching the finish line in late 2024, NASCAR fans still chuckle about how “you can’t wreck your sister’s boyfriend.”
Byron, now linked to Sabrina Carpenter, is steering full speed ahead, aiming for more checkered flags and perhaps, another heart to win over.

News in Brief: William Byron Takes Initiative After Dating Rumors
William Byron’s playful invitation to Sabrina Carpenter after their viral DM exchange has everyone buzzing. With Byron fresh out of a relationship, fans are enthusiastic to see if sparks will fly at the NASCAR race.
Sabrina’s past connections to racing add an intriguing twist. Meanwhile, Byron’s previous ties to Erin Blaney fuel even more speculation. Whether or not romance is in the air, this unexpected pairing is revving up excitement on the racetrack and beyond!
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