William Byron achieved a unique milestone in NASCAR by becoming the only driver to win at Iowa Speedway in all three national touring series, a feat that he credits to countless hours on the iRacing simulation platform. The 27-year-old’s exceptional record at Iowa continues to set him apart, with iRacing practice sessions at the heart of his method for mastering the challenging short track and building his reputation for William Byron NASCAR Iowa Speedway success.
Simulated Racing Roots Fuel Byron’s Real-World Triumphs
Byron attributes his dominance at Iowa to extensive time spent racing on iRacing as a teenager, immersing himself in the digital version of the circuit to refine his strategy and rhythm. His preparation on virtual tracks started early, aligning his summer iRacing routine with actual race weekends to build valuable experience.
“When I was a kid, the iRacing schedule would always line up with the race tracks in the summer, and that’s when I would have the most time to iRace,”
—William Byron, Driver
He explains that this habit helped him become familiar with the Iowa Speedway’s unique flow, ultimately making real race days feel like instinct. Byron recalls spending his early teens investing thousands of virtual laps, which allowed him to understand and adapt quickly to on-track challenges, no matter the changes made to the speedway surface over the years.
“Even with repaves and everything, I feel like I just spent so much time as a 14-year-old, 13-year-old just racing on iRacing on Iowa and Pocono. Those are usually our fastest tracks.”
—William Byron, Driver
Milestones Across NASCAR’s Premier Series
Byron’s inaugural Iowa victory took place in 2016 within the Camping World Truck Series, driving for Kyle Busch Motorsports. Building on this early success, he returned the following year to secure a win in the Xfinity Series behind the wheel of a JR Motorsports Chevrolet. Eight years later, Byron captured a Cup Series win at the same venue, this time racing for Hendrick Motorsports—a testament to his consistent performance across multiple NASCAR levels. Notably, crew chief Rudy Fugle played a key role in Byron’s victories in both the Truck and Cup Series at Iowa Speedway, highlighting the value of team continuity.
Roots in North Carolina and a Personal Favorite Track
Though Byron’s record at Iowa is remarkable, he actually holds another track closer to his heart. Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, Byron’s formative racing memories are tied to Darlington Raceway in South Carolina—a venue that played a significant role in nurturing his love for the sport as his family would travel nearby each summer.
“My family and I, we’d go to Myrtle Beach (S.C.) so I would drive by that track (every summer),”
—William Byron, Driver
“So, that’s always held the most meaning to me personally.”
—William Byron, Driver
Looking Forward: Impact and Legacy of Byron’s Iowa Success
William Byron’s journey from a young enthusiast honing skills online to a record-setting NASCAR driver at Iowa Speedway showcases how technology and passion can intersect to drive real-world success. His story highlights the growing importance of simulation platforms like iRacing in modern motorsports preparation, inspiring the next generation to pursue unconventional paths to excellence. As Byron continues to compete, his achievements at Iowa and beyond will be remembered as a distinct reflection of dedication, innovation, and the lasting impact of early influences from tracks like Darlington and mentors like crew chief Rudy Fugle.
