Austin Dillon took his role as a true wingman to heart on Sunday at Phoenix Raceway, orchestrating a memorable moment that thrust the Austin Dillon NASCAR wingman story into the spotlight. During the climactic race of the 2025 NASCAR Cup season, Dillon went out of his way to connect fellow driver William Byron with actress Sydney Sweeney in an unexpected and lighthearted exchange.
How Austin Dillon Helped William Byron Meet Sydney Sweeney
On a day marked by excitement and celebrity encounters, Sydney Sweeney’s appearance at Phoenix Raceway caused a buzz among fans and NASCAR drivers alike. Sweeney was present to promote her latest movie “Christy,” and found herself surrounded by admirers as she mingled with the racers and took photos with several, including Ryan Blaney.
William Byron, driving car #24 and notably single, was initially not among those who got to meet Sweeney. As Byron was leaving the media center crowded by fans of the actress, Austin Dillon saw the opportunity and grabbed Byron, encouraging him to return and make an introduction. Dillon enthusiastically pushed Byron to greet the star of “Euphoria,” declaring,
Travis and Taylor would have nothing on you two!
— Noah Lewis, NASCAR Reporter.
The playful attempt drew laughs and applause from bystanders, injecting humor and camaraderie as Byron, with a nudge from Dillon, finally shook hands with Sweeney. The moment was quickly captured and shared online, with observers drawing pop culture parallels to high-profile couples, as alluded to by Dillon’s quip.
Noah Gragson Takes an Initiative of His Own
Meanwhile, not all drivers required assistance to introduce themselves to the acclaimed actress. Noah Gragson, driver of the #4 car, approached Sydney Sweeney confidently at the drivers meeting, requesting a photo together. The interaction, caught on camera, displayed Gragson’s straightforward nature as he introduced himself and secured a memento from the popular event.
.@NoahGragson introducing himself to Sydney Sweeney at the drivers meeting 👋🏼 pic.twitter.com/tsEKqe9sEq
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90).
The excitement around Sweeney’s visit extended beyond the trackside meet-and-greet. Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s Dirty Mo Media added its own humorous support for Gragson in the aftermath, posting a playful comment beneath the video of his photo-op, stating,
Hey Noah, thanks for saving our grandma from that burning building on your way home from donating blood. She asks about you all the time and hopes you’re still teaching those English as a second language classes. Also, the puppy you rescued for us is doing great!
— Dirty Mo Media.
This good-natured banter exemplified the collegiate and fun spirit among NASCAR personalities, as media members and drivers alike sought to make the day special both on and off the track.
Race Day Results and Closing Thoughts
Beyond the celebrity sightings and friendly matchmaking, the on-track competition remained fierce. Ryan Blaney took top honors in the race, while Kyle Larson clinched the NASCAR Cup championship, adding to the high energy of the day.
Ultimately, the Austin Dillon NASCAR wingman event became a lighthearted highlight that underscored the camaraderie and personality within the racing community. With media, drivers, and celebrities coming together in memorable moments, NASCAR once again demonstrated its lively spirit and ability to blend sports with entertainment in unexpected ways.
Actress Sydney Sweeney poses for a photo with #NASCAR driver Ryan Blaney on the grid prior to the start of the championship race at Phoenix Raceway.
📸 @rebilasphoto pic.twitter.com/FBOUX6kcSD
— Mark J. Rebilas (@rebilasphoto) November 2, 2025
.@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
.@NoahGragson introducing himself to Sydney Sweeney at the drivers meeting 👋🏼 pic.twitter.com/tsEKqe9sEq
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) November 2, 2025
Hey Noah, thanks for saving our grandma from that burning building on your way home from donating blood. She asks about you all the time and hopes you’re still teaching those English as a second language classes.
Also, the puppy you rescued for us is doing great! 😊 https://t.co/SEiQLHrSyz
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) November 2, 2025
