On the eve of the NASCAR Cup Series finale in Phoenix, William Byron, a leading contender in the William Byron championship race Phoenix, met actress Sydney Sweeney during a high-spirited moment in the garage area, just before the title-deciding event. Their chance meeting, orchestrated by Austin Dillon, unfolded ahead of Sunday’s high-stakes showdown for the championship at Phoenix Raceway.
Celebrity Guest Adds Excitement Before the Championship
Sydney Sweeney, recognized for her acclaimed roles in Hollywood, took center stage at Phoenix Raceway as the event’s celebrity guest. Her duties included not only presenting the championship checkered flag but also attending the pre-race drivers’ meeting. As Byron was leaving this crucial meeting and making his way toward the track, Austin Dillon of Richard Childress Racing called Byron back for a quick introduction to Sweeney, adding a light-hearted pause to the build-up of anticipation.
NASCAR reporter Noah Lewis documented the moment, noting it on social media:
“@austindillon3 drags @WilliamByron back over to meet @sydney_sweeney before leaving the Drivers Meeting.”
— Noah Lewis, NASCAR Reporter
This brief encounter prompted lively reactions on social platforms, with fans highlighting Austin Dillon’s impromptu ‘wingman’ gesture as Byron prepared for one of the biggest races of his career. A quick handshake and exchange of words followed between Byron and Sweeney, with the actress wishing the driver good luck before he returned to prepare for the demanding showdown on the track.
Sweeney Delivers a Message to the Drivers and Fans
Sweeney’s involvement extended to the pre-race ceremonies, where she took the microphone to address the packed grandstands moments before the green flag. Her comments reminded competitors of the stakes involved:
“Remember what this checkered flag stands for: you’re not just another driver; you’re a NASCAR champion.”
— Sydney Sweeney, Event Celebrity Guest
Adding to the high-profile lead-up, WWE’s Alicia Taylor introduced the Championship 4 drivers — Byron, Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and Chase Briscoe — to roaring applause in Phoenix. With Sweeney waving the checkered flag on stage, focus quickly turned back to the drivers and their preparations for the pivotal contest. For Hendrick Motorsports, this final race of the season was another opportunity to capture a record-extending 15th Cup Series title, putting Byron and his No. 24 Chevrolet at the heart of the team’s hopes.
Byron’s Consistent Performance Builds Championship Momentum
William Byron’s presence in the Championship 4 marked his third consecutive appearance in the title round, underlining his growth as a top contender in NASCAR. His record at Phoenix Raceway has shown reliability and competitiveness, boasting an 8.0 average finish, a victory, and three top-five results in NASCAR’s Next Gen era.
Despite recent shortcomings for Hendrick Motorsports in the past three title deciders, Byron entered the weekend with momentum. Friday’s practice saw him logging a fast lap of 27.460 seconds at 131.100 mph, good enough for ninth overall, while teammate Kyle Larson was close behind, ranking 11th. For Joe Gibbs Racing, Denny Hamlin posted the fastest lap among the championship contenders, and his teammate Chase Briscoe faced tire issues that limited his session.
The competitive spirit carried over to qualifying, where Hamlin secured pole position with a 133.759 mph lap — just 0.042 seconds ahead of Byron. This effort ensured Byron a front-row starting spot for Sunday’s championship showdown, placing him alongside Hamlin, with Larson starting third and Briscoe lining up twelfth.
Momentum was especially in Byron’s favor following a commanding victory the previous weekend at Martinsville. The Regular Season Champion swept both stages and led 304 laps to claim his spot in the Phoenix finale, demonstrating confidence and strong form when it mattered most.
Looking Ahead to the Championship Showdown
As Sunday’s finale at Phoenix approached, all eyes were on William Byron, his Hendrick Motorsports crew, and the fierce competition from Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and Chase Briscoe. The championship race, further energized by the presence of Sydney Sweeney and WWE representation, promised a captivating conclusion to the NASCAR season. For fans, the outcome at Phoenix would underline who among the Championship 4 could live up to Sweeney’s proclamation and join the ranks of NASCAR champions.
.@austindillon3 drags @WilliamByron back over to meet @sydney_sweeney before leaving the Drivers Meeting.
Dillon told Sweeney that “Travis and Taylor would have nothing on you two!” 😆#NASCAR pic.twitter.com/B3RNmrYr10
— Noah Lewis (@Noah_Lewis1) November 2, 2025
