Speculation is growing that William Byron may reach or even exceed the milestone of Denny Hamlin 60 NASCAR wins, following recent discussion amongst racing analysts. This prediction comes in the wake of Byron’s dramatic victory at Martinsville, propelling him into the Championship 4 and marking another significant step in his still-leveloping career.
NASCAR Insider Highlights Byron’s Potential Milestone
Jeff Gluck of The Athletic, speaking on The Teardown podcast, emphasized how Byron’s trajectory sets him apart within the Cup Series. Gluck reflected on the moment when Hamlin clinched his 60th Cup Series win and how observers questioned if that feat could ever be matched or surpassed.
“I thought it was fascinating recently when this whole conversation when Denny [Hamlin] won his 60th, and people were like, ‘I don’t know if anybody can get to 60 again. Maybe he’s the last driver to 60,’”
Jeff Gluck, The Athletic.
Instead, Gluck pointed out that Byron is sometimes underestimated due to his relatively understated personality and age, but he believes Byron’s approach and mindset make him a genuine candidate to chase historic numbers.
“I really think Byron is being overlooked. …He’s still so young, comparatively so young to a lot of these guys.”
– Jeff Gluck, The Athletic.
Gluck further praised Byron’s competitive mentality and remarked that, given the right equipment, Byron takes full advantage and often translates it into on-track success. Despite Byron’s quieter demeanor compared to other NASCAR figures, his capabilities on race weekends are undeniable.
Growing Into a Champion and Future Hall of Famer
Byron’s development as both a racer and a public figure was highlighted, with Gluck noting his progress since debuting as a full-time Cup driver in the 2018 season. Following multiple wins and consistent appearances in the Championship 4, Byron has solidified his place at the top level of American motorsport.
“He’s been a quieter guy. He’s not a huge personality, but I think we continue to see him blossom and grow, and that’s going to be a guy where 10 years from now, he’s going to be a multi-time champion,”
Jeff Gluck, The Athletic.
Gluck also predicted a long and decorated career for Byron, suggesting that he is on the path to becoming a generational driver within NASCAR, someone whose influence could span decades.
“He’s going to be a clearly future Hall of Famer, kind of all that stuff. He’s going to have a big voice; he’s going to have bridged generations.”
– Jeff Gluck, The Athletic.
Byron Reflects on Martinsville Triumph
Competing as a Cup Series driver for Hendrick Motorsports since 2018, Byron now boasts 16 career victories. Notably, he is entering the Championship 4 for the third year in a row, but as the reigning regular-season champion, this playoff run carries added significance for both him and his team.
Following his victory at Martinsville, Byron expressed to reporters how clinching a Championship 4 berth came under much different circumstances compared to previous seasons, allowing him to race more freely.
“It was a very freeing position to be in, having to race to win, not like the last couple years, where you had to count points,”
William Byron, Cup Series Driver.
He shared that the different approach translated into greater confidence and teamwork within the car, stressing the unique nature of this playoff test for his group.
“That freed me up inside the car, as well. I think our team just put everything out there this weekend. It was the ultimate test for our group, the ultimate one we’ve been through yet. That was pretty cool to see.”
– William Byron, Cup Series Driver.
Looking Ahead: What Byron’s Rise Could Mean for NASCAR
William Byron’s continued ascent in the Cup Series has reignited conversation about who could next join or surpass the exclusive club of Denny Hamlin 60 NASCAR wins. With a strong team backing him, ongoing competitive growth, and increasing confidence, Byron is well-positioned to leave a lasting impact on the sport. Observers like Jeff Gluck suggest that if Byron maintains his current pace, he could alter the NASCAR record books and inspire the next wave of championship contenders for years to come.
