William Byron returns to Phoenix Raceway this November with another chance to secure a long-sought NASCAR Cup Series championship for Hendrick Motorsports, placing himself at the center of the William Byron NASCAR Cup Series conversation. For a third year in a row, Byron stands alongside racing elite, seeking to add a record-setting 15th Cup Series title to Hendrick Motorsports’ achievements in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Since the debut of the seventh-generation Cup car in 2022, Byron has been pivotal for his team, delivering 14 victories—second only to teammate Kyle Larson. As a consistent race-winner and notable contender, Byron has contributed significantly to Hendrick Motorsports’ continued prominence and hopes this season will see him finally lift the championship trophy.
This Season’s Challenges and the Road to the Championship 4
Despite his impressive track record, a championship has slipped through Byron’s grasp, a drought less severe than Denny Hamlin’s but nonetheless frustrating. Unlike prior years, the 2025 season presented Byron and his No. 24 Chevrolet team with new hurdles. Typically steady in the high-pressure environment of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, Byron faced unexpected missteps—sometimes due to team performance issues, and at other times, just bad luck at crucial moments.
At Martinsville, the stakes reached a breaking point, as Byron entered the race needing a win to continue his championship quest. Amid intense pressure, Byron delivered, executing when it mattered and ensuring his spot among the final four contenders in the Playoffs. Now, the looming question is whether his form and patience throughout the playoffs will be enough to change his fortune at Phoenix.
Byron’s Confidence and Experience at the Forefront
Byron’s experience in consecutive Championship 4 appearances has solidified his reputation as a driver who thrives in high-stakes situations. He continues to build on this record, unwavering in his resolve. Offering insight into his mindset, Byron expressed optimism about the weekend ahead:
“I think I feel pretty good coming into this weekend, regardless,”
said William Byron, Driver.
“I think, just with how I feel, we’re capable of running. Last weekend was a big shot in the arm for our team just to be able to execute like that under the circumstances, then just kind of the way the Playoffs have been, it felt like we were just wanting to see things kind of go our way for once.”
— William Byron, Driver
Accepting the challenge that comes with a third straight Championship 4 appearance, Byron discussed the team’s pride in its repeated success:
“When I hear you say that, it’s third straight, it’s really cool,”
said William Byron, Driver.
“We should take pride in that as a team, honestly, because it’s hard to do, especially with this NextGen car. So yeah, it’s exciting. It’s all that our team’s kind of been here and done this before. I think it just kind of narrows the focus. I think it just kind of makes it clearer. The track hasn’t changed. We’ve been in these positions. It’s very routine.”
— William Byron, Driver
Strong Practice and Qualifying Signals Readiness
Byron demonstrated strong form during Friday’s 50-minute practice at Phoenix, posting the second quickest time among the Championship 4 drivers. He continued that pace into Saturday as he secured a front-row start, qualifying just behind Denny Hamlin. These efforts reflect meticulous preparation by his crew chief, Rudy Fugle, and show that Byron remains competitive among contenders like Kyle Larson and Chase Briscoe.
“I feel good. I think so far it’s kind of what we’ve been working on and trying to improve,”
said William Byron, Driver.
“Yeah, I’m optimistic. I think everything so far this weekend has been pretty solid.”
— William Byron, Driver
Starting from second, Byron faces the formidable task of navigating 312 laps at Phoenix Raceway, vying to finish ahead of the other Championship 4 drivers. Even though the highest-qualifying Championship 4 driver often has a statistical edge, Byron’s confidence in his race package and his focus on execution will play a decisive role in the final results.
What to Expect as the Championship Unfolds
The championship showdown will unfold on Sunday, November 2, with race coverage on NBC, Motor Racing Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. With experienced rivals such as Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, and teammate Kyle Larson in the hunt, the pressure is fierce and the stakes are massive.
Byron’s achievements and consistent performances make him a deserving favorite, but the competition remains unpredictable, and every lap of the Phoenix showdown counts. For Hendrick Motorsports, another title would further cement its legacy, while for William Byron, a Cup Series win would be the crowning achievement of his rapidly ascending career. The outcome will shape not only Byron’s legacy but also the ongoing drama of the NASCAR Cup Series.
