William Byron showcased a calculated approach with his daring fuel strategy at Iowa Speedway, winning the race after making his last tank of fuel last an extraordinary 144 laps, outlasting Chase Briscoe and Brad Keselowski in a thrilling and chaotic finish. Byron’s remarkable drive in the 350-lap contest underscores the critical importance of fuel strategy in high-stakes NASCAR racing, particularly after past misfortune.
Byron’s Triumph Amid a Grueling Iowa Contest
Piloting the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports car, Byron executed near-perfect fuel management in Sunday’s race, delivering his second victory of the season, and his first since conquering the Daytona 500. After having a win slip away in Michigan due to a failed fuel plan just months prior, this success marked a significant moment of redemption.
“Man, we deserved that one,” Byron radioed to his No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports team. “Thanks to everybody. Appreciate it.”
—William Byron, Driver
Byron’s tenacity on the track was bolstered by a bold call made together with crew chief Rudy Fugle, opting to stretch his final pit stop farther than the competition, against the conventional wisdom of green-flag run limits at the Iowa short track.
“How about that for some fuel mileage?” Byron joked post-race. “We’ve been on the wrong end of that before. Today, we nailed it.”
—William Byron, Driver
The Factors That Sealed Byron’s Victory
Making his last pit stop on the 206th lap, Byron and his team faced the daunting prospect of traveling well beyond the usual 110-lap green-flag margin. Their ability to anticipate caution flags and carefully manage pace paid off in spectacular fashion, as Byron led 141 laps—the most of any driver—and barely made it to the end, reportedly coasting across the finish just as his tank ran dry.
Tumultuous Final Stages Rewrite the Playbook
The early portion of the race unfolded with methodical calm, exemplified by Brad Keselowski capturing both stage victories and dominating with 68 laps led. However, the event’s complexion shifted sharply as the race wore on, with 11 caution flags erupting over the last 180 laps. These frequent stoppages upended strategy, reordering the front-runners and stranding several contenders, including Keselowski, off the optimal pit cycle.
Keselowski, still fast in his No. 6 Ford, gambled with a late-race pit stop from the lead on Lap 231, only to find himself trapped outside the top 20 in the flurry of yellows, unable to make up the lost track position despite his car’s speed.
“The cautions just didn’t fall our way,” Keselowski said. “We had a rocket, but track position was king today.”
—Brad Keselowski, Driver
Key Stats and Highlights from Iowa Speedway
Byron outmaneuvered both Chase Briscoe, who started on pole, and Brad Keselowski, a dominant force throughout much of the event, to seize the Iowa victory. The strategic chaos of the second half rewarded patience, risk-taking, and adaptability as regular favorites and front-runners were repeatedly shuffled by the timing of cautions and pit cycles. Others, including playoff contenders, jockeyed for critical points with the regular season winding toward its close.
What Awaits as the Season Continues
The next stop in the NASCAR Cup Series moves to Watkins Glen International, scheduled for Sunday, August 10, where road-course specialists and those battling for playoff spots are set to play pivotal roles. For William Byron, this Iowa win—delivered through bold leadership, a team’s trust, and the will to push limits—offers more than points; it may become the signature moment of his 2025 campaign, erasing past heartbreak and cementing his reputation for fearless, strategic racing.
