NASCAR insiders have identified William Byron as a strong candidate to potentially equal Denny Hamlin’s celebrated 60 Cup Series wins, revitalizing speculation about who could next reach this benchmark. The conversation gained momentum after Hamlin achieved his milestone victory during the Las Vegas playoff, reigniting debate about aspirations within the NASCAR Cup Series.
Experts Debate NASCAR’s Next Big Winner After Hamlin’s Milestone
After Denny Hamlin of Joe Gibbs Racing secured his 60th win in the Cup Series, Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi delved into what it would take for another driver to achieve similar success. Their discussion highlighted skepticism in the racing community regarding the potential for any current full-time drivers to hit 60 career wins, yet both analysts agreed that Hendrick Motorsports driver William Byron stands out among his peers as the most likely successor.
Byron, at just 27 years old, is set to compete in his third straight Championship 4 at Phoenix Raceway, aiming for his first Cup title. His youthful drive and performance have led to growing confidence among observers. As Gluck noted on The Teardown podcast, Byron’s blend of talent, mentality, and composure give him the right qualities for a long and successful career pursuit.
“I thought it was fascinating recently when this whole conversation when Denny won his 60th and people were like, I don’t know if anybody can get to 60 again. I really think Byron is being overlooked. I mean, how old is Byron still?… He’s still so young. He has this mentality where it’s the killer mentality, where he’s, you know, if you give him a fast car and you give him a chance to win.”
– Jeff Gluck, NASCAR Insider
This milestone reflects Hamlin’s perseverance, having devoted over 20 years to the Cup Series and contested in more than 700 races to reach this rare achievement. Despite the high level of competition and the challenges of modern racing, these analysts suggest that Byron’s path could parallel Hamlin’s, given his skillset and competitive mindset.
Byron’s Maturity and Approach Win Praise
Jordan Bianchi, respected for his insights with The Athletic, further emphasized Byron’s poise and intelligence on the track. Byron has rarely made costly errors and has demonstrated a consistent ability to handle both the technical and psychological aspects of being a NASCAR contender. His comfort discussing significant issues within the sport also highlights his maturity and leadership potential.
“[William Byron] doesn’t make mistakes. Very rarely overdrive. Very smart mature to. And you talk about your point of kind of seeing him kind of come out a little bit of this, you know, being more comfortable with who he is. He’s not afraid to talk about topics, big picture topics now and have a voice in this sport. And that’s something that’s a lot of people aren’t comfortable with.”
– Jordan Bianchi, Reporter, The Athletic
Phoenix Raceway to Host High-Stakes NASCAR Championship Battle
The anticipation surrounding the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series finale at Phoenix Raceway is building, with William Byron and Denny Hamlin both in contention for the title. Byron is joined by Kyle Larson and Chase Briscoe in the Championship 4, setting the stage for a climactic showdown between powerhouse teams Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing. Hamlin, known for his consistency and veteran leadership, has the chance to add another highlight to his career, while both Byron and Briscoe seek their first Cup Series championship. Kyle Larson, meanwhile, aims to secure a second Cup title.
The concluding race of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series will take place on Sunday, November 2, at 3 p.m. ET, where the season’s ultimate winner will emerge from a fiercely competitive field.
What’s at Stake for the Cup Series’ New Generation?
The possibility for William Byron to reach or even surpass Denny Hamlin’s Cup Series wins is a topic energizing fans and industry experts alike. Byron’s ongoing achievements and the strong endorsements from leading analysts like Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi demonstrate how the next generation of drivers is reshaping expectations. With NASCAR continuing to attract new talent, attention is fixed on the upcoming showdown in Phoenix and long-term prospects for records to be broken in the years ahead.
People said no one would reach 60 again… maybe they’re wrong. 👀@jeff_gluck | @Jordan_Bianchi pic.twitter.com/AZsK6v9IeI
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) October 27, 2025
