William Byron‘s NASCAR story took an unexpected turn during the Championship weekend at Phoenix Raceway, when a lighthearted moment involving actress Sydney Sweeney became a highlight for drivers and fans. The encounter, detailed by Austin Dillon, provided a glimpse into the personalities behind the high-speed drama of the NASCAR Cup Series.
Austin Dillon Sets the Stage for a Memorable Meeting
During the drivers’ meeting at Phoenix Raceway, Austin Dillon noticed that William Byron and Sydney Sweeney were seated across the aisle from each other. Sweeney was present as a celebrity guest, lending extra excitement to the event. Dillon recounted the behind-the-scenes action in a NASCAR.com video, explaining his role in orchestrating a meeting between Byron and the Euphoria star.
“NASCAR, I think, planted the seed because their seats were across from each other,”
Dillon said.
“You know, Willie B and Sidney, there was just the aisle between the two of them.”
— Austin Dillon, NASCAR Driver
Dillon discussed his plan with fellow driver Joey Logano, building anticipation for the moment. He saw an opportunity for a memorable introduction and shared his intentions with Logano.
“Look, Willie B and Sydney, that’d be big,”
Dillon said.
“And Logano actually looked over to me and he said, that’d be big for the entire sport.”
— Austin Dillon, NASCAR Driver
The Nerve-Racking Introduction Between Byron and Sweeney
As the meeting concluded, Dillon acted on his idea. He spoke to Sydney Sweeney about William Byron, who has earned a reputation as one of the most eligible bachelors in the NASCAR Cup Series. After encouraging Byron to approach Sweeney, Dillon observed Byron’s anxiety during the introduction.
“I think he was nervously trying to, like, play me off. One of his sponsors was right there and said, go meet her. And he was like, okay.”
— Austin Dillon, NASCAR Driver
“As we got closer, I think his face got more red,”
he added. — Austin Dillon, NASCAR Driver
The actual meeting was brief and polite, leaving those nearby, including Dillon, hoping for more interaction. Dillon described the scene in a lighthearted way, reflecting on Byron’s reserved approach during the unusual encounter.
“I don’t know. I was hoping for more of like a hug or something, a longer conversation, getting your number, but he was very polite. You know, he just went for the handshake. And nice to meet you, ma’am. And that was it.”
— Austin Dillon, NASCAR Driver
Byron’s 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Journey
This chance meeting added levity to what was otherwise a tense and hard-fought weekend for William Byron. A top contender throughout the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, Byron led the field in laps led with 1,330 and secured three wins heading into the postseason. His performance included a third-straight Championship 4 appearance, sparked by key moments like a podium at Darlington, perseverance after a crash at Las Vegas, and a decisive win at Martinsville.
At the Phoenix finale, Byron was running second with just three laps remaining when a flat tire ended his championship hopes. He finished the race in fourth place, bringing a strong season to a close under dramatic circumstances at the same event spotlighted by Sweeney’s appearance.
Sydney Sweeney’s Role at the Phoenix Finale
Sydney Sweeney was center stage at Phoenix Raceway, serving as the celebrity guest for the NASCAR season’s conclusion. Arriving with her father, Steven Sweeney, she participated in pre-race ceremonies and greeted fans in the garage area, donning a white jacket, t-shirt, shorts, and her signature style. Before the race, Sweeney addressed the audience with memorable words.
“Remember what this checkered flag stands for: you’re not just another driver; you’re a NASCAR champion.”
— Sydney Sweeney, Actress
Throughout the day, she remained highly visible, waving the checkered flag to mark the championship and joining pre-race activities. Following the action on track, Sweeney celebrated in Victory Lane with Ryan Blaney and Team Penske, after Blaney’s race win, as Kyle Larson secured the championship title. The celebration continued on social media, where Sweeney congratulated Blaney and showed her enthusiasm for the sport.
“love me some @nascar and congrats to @ryanblaney12 and the team!!!”
— Sydney Sweeney, Actress
Fashion and Headlines: Sweeney’s Bold Race Day Look
Media outlets, including InStyle, took note of Sydney Sweeney’s race day outfit. Her attire featured micro hot pants paired with knee-high red leather boots and a cropped tank top, complemented by an oversized racing jacket, solidifying her influence on race day style and drawing even more attention to NASCAR’s grand finale.
Looking Ahead Following the Championship Weekend
The interaction between William Byron and Sydney Sweeney quickly became a talking point beyond the racetrack, showcasing the blend of celebrity presence and athletic achievement that the NASCAR Cup Series finale represents. As Byron reflects on both a significant season and an unexpectedly blush-worthy moment with a Hollywood star, NASCAR continues to draw eyes from new audiences. For fans, these stories provide even more reasons to follow the careers of both Byron and the sport’s rising stars on and off the track.
