William Byron executed a daring fuel strategy to clinch the Iowa Corn 350 Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway on Sunday, August 3, outpacing pole-sitter Chase Briscoe to the checkered flag. Byron’s bold decision not to make a final pit stop during the closing 144 laps secured both his second win of the season and a memorable chapter in the Chase Briscoe Iowa Corn 350 race story.
Throughout the season, Byron had experienced disappointment with fuel management at Michigan and Indianapolis, narrowly missing victories due to emptied tanks. Eager to change his fortune, he and his Hendrick Motorsports crew came into the Iowa event with determination. This effort was rewarded, as Byron, piloting the No. 24 Chevy Camaro, crossed the finish line 1.192 seconds ahead of Briscoe, who had started from pole position on the 0.875-mile track in Newton, Iowa.
Reflecting on the high-pressure finish and his previous setbacks, Byron shared his appreciation for his team’s perseverance:
“We’ve had our fair share of things not go our way with fuel mileage, and just super thankful for Rudy (Fugle, crew chief), all these guys, all the engineers back at the shop…just this whole race team. We’ve been through a lot this year.“
Despite recent disappointments, Byron noted that his group continued to believe in their capabilities, emphasizing the teamwork and preparation that contributed to their performance.
“Our confidence in each other never wavered,” Byron continued. “I feel like our speed’s been better than it’s ever been, and that’s a big reason why we stay confident. I feel like every week we work really hard together and show up prepared, show up fast.” —William Byron, Driver
Sunday’s win not only gave Byron a return to victory lane but also propelled him back to the top of the driver standings as the regular season points leader. Now 18 points clear of teammate and past champion Chase Elliott, Byron leads an impressive Hendrick Motorsports trio, with Kyle Larson holding third with a total of 725 points.
Byron Weighs In on the Demanding Track Conditions
Having claimed victories at Iowa Speedway across all three of NASCAR’s premier series—the Cup, Xfinity, and Craftsman Truck Series—Byron’s expertise on the Newton circuit stands out. The latest event highlighted the difficulties faced by drivers as they pushed their cars’ limits on the fast, challenging surface.
Discussing the racing conditions after the event, Byron explained the challenges drivers faced with passing and tire management:
“It was about what I expected,” Byron said in a statement. “It was tough to pass. The tires are really on edge. I think the tire is hard, and it probably has to be because the surface is fast in the middle of the corner. You’re just really — on entry it’s tough.” —William Byron, Driver
“Yeah, it’s on the edge, which is something – I feel like that’s something to be happy and proud of, too, is just how edgy the cars were to drive and being able to put a race together like that with minimal mistakes was pretty cool,” he added. —William Byron, Driver
The race’s demanding nature and the performance of Byron’s Chevrolet highlighted the partnership between car, crew, and driver. Hendrick Motorsports, through expert pit strategy and preparation, played a significant role in maintaining Byron’s competitive pace during the tense closing laps.
Looking Ahead: Watkins Glen and Championship Momentum
With his triumph in Iowa, Byron’s momentum grows as he looks forward to the upcoming Go Bowling at Watkins Glen International event. The speedster has already established a record at Watkins Glen, capturing a race win and securing two top-10 finishes in previous years. Next Sunday, August 10, the 90-lap challenge awaits, with coverage available nationally on USA and radio updates on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
As the regular season advances, Byron’s win at the Iowa Corn 350 strengthens his position atop the points leaderboard and sets the stage for the critical road to the NASCAR playoffs. The intense competition within Hendrick Motorsports—including key players like Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson—promises to keep the championship battle fierce and riveting for racing fans nationwide.
