William Byron, the newly crowned 2025 NASCAR Cup Series regular season champion, has been selected as the William Byron NASCAR 25 cover athlete, marking another milestone in his career. The announcement was made in Daytona Beach, Florida, just before the season finale, underscoring Byron’s ongoing impact on the sport and its evolving connection with gaming.
Byron’s Journey from Gaming to Racing Highlighted
The official reveal of Byron as the face of the anticipated NASCAR 25 video game took place Saturday in the Fan Zone at Daytona International Speedway. In the game, Byron’s image and his familiar No. 24 Axalta Chevrolet are prominently displayed, celebrating both his achievements on the track and his unique origins as a skilled gamer. This edition, developed by iRacing, represents the first major platform game from the simulator company.
“It just feels full circle. Growing up racing on video games primarily, obviously, everyone knows that about my story so, yeah, just a very full circle moment for me personally and great for our partners and everybody,”
—William Byron, NASCAR Driver
“Excited for it. Hopefully the game is great. It feels good so far so hopefully everyone loves it and it’ll always be something I can look back on over the years and be excited about.”
—William Byron, NASCAR Driver
Legacy of Digital Simulation in Modern Racing
Byron’s rise in professional racing started in his youth through video games, a path that now mirrors the entry point for many drivers using digital platforms to nurture their skills. As the accessibility of real-world track time becomes increasingly restricted, simulation and gaming have grown into valuable tools for young drivers and professionals alike.
“I think with the way tech has gone in the last decade it’s really kind of taken over – virtual reality, iRacing, esports, everything,”
—William Byron, NASCAR Driver
“It’s become big in the racing world. I think the effects of it will be more long term, seeing how kids get their start, but I think there’s honestly a lot of it going already with people sim racing when they’re not racing in their cars.”
—William Byron, NASCAR Driver
Anticipation Builds for NASCAR 25 Release
The NASCAR 25 game, developed in partnership with iRacing, will offer a fresh experience for fans and drivers, incorporating cutting-edge simulation technology. While the official release is scheduled for later this year, additional information and features are set to be revealed in the coming weeks. With Byron as the official cover athlete, the game highlights the continued influence of digital racing on the broader motorsport landscape, including organizations like Axalta and Chevrolet, and aims to inspire the next generation of competitors.
