William Byron Bio
Early Life and Background
William McComas Byron Jr. was born on November 29, 1997, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He grew up in a family that supported his interests, with his father, Bill Byron, and mother, Dana Byron, encouraging his passion for racing. Byron’s interest in motorsports ignited at the young age of six after watching a stock car race on television, which led him to attend his first live race at Martinsville Speedway in 2006. He began racing on the iRacing simulator as a teenager, where he achieved over one hundred wins and 298 top-five finishes in online competitions.
Byron’s formal racing career began when he started competing in Legends cars at the age of fifteen. In 2012, he won 33 races and became the Young Lions Division champion. He continued to develop his skills by signing with JR Motorsports’ late model program in 2014, where he raced the No. 9 Liberty University Chevrolet at Hickory Motor Speedway, achieving a single victory and finishing second in points.
Path to NASCAR
In 2015, Byron was signed to drive in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East by HScott Motorsports with Justin Marks, backed by sponsorship from Liberty University. He made a strong debut, finishing seventh in his first race and winning four races throughout the season, ultimately clinching the series championship. Byron also made his ARCA Racing Series debut that year, finishing second after leading 120 laps.
Byron transitioned to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2016, driving for Kyle Busch Motorsports. He quickly made a name for himself, winning his first race at Kansas and setting the record for the most wins by a rookie in the Truck Series with seven victories. His success continued as he moved to the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2017, where he won the championship in his rookie season.
William Byron Career
Early Career (2015-2017)
Byron’s early career saw him rise through the ranks of NASCAR’s developmental series. He won the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Championship in 2015, followed by a successful stint in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, where he was named Rookie of the Year in 2016. His transition to the Xfinity Series in 2017 culminated in a championship victory, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in NASCAR.
NASCAR Cup Series Breakthrough (2018-2020)
Byron made his NASCAR Cup Series debut in the 2018 Daytona 500, driving the No. 24 for Hendrick Motorsports. He clinched the Rookie of the Year honors that season, becoming the second driver to win Rookie of the Year in all three national series consecutively. His first Cup Series victory came at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 in 2020, where he navigated through a chaotic race to secure the win.
Hendrick Motorsports Era (2021-Present)
Byron has continued to excel with Hendrick Motorsports, achieving multiple wins and consistently finishing in the top tier of the standings. In 2022, he won races at Atlanta and Martinsville and finished a career-best sixth in the points standings. The 2023 season saw him secure six wins, including a significant victory at the 2023 Darlington race, marking the 100th win for the No. 24 team. Byron’s performance in 2024 included winning the prestigious Daytona 500, marking a historic moment for both him and Hendrick Motorsports.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Byron is known for his strategic racing style and adaptability on the track. His experience in various racing formats, combined with his analytical approach, allows him to make quick decisions during races, often leading to successful outcomes.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Byron’s career is highlighted by significant milestones, including being a two-time Daytona 500 winner and the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Regular Season Champion. His ability to win in all three national series at the same track further emphasizes his versatility and skill as a driver.
William Byron Career Wins
William Byron has achieved a total of 16 wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, along with notable victories in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. His career continues to flourish as he competes at the highest levels of stock car racing.
Current NASCAR Cup Series Highlights
In the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, Byron has already secured two wins, including his second consecutive Daytona 500 victory. His consistent performance has positioned him as a strong contender for the championship, showcasing his growth and determination as a driver.
Previous NASCAR Series Achievements
Byron’s previous achievements in the NASCAR Xfinity Series include winning the championship in 2017, while in the Truck Series, he set the rookie record with seven wins in 2016. His early successes laid the foundation for his current accomplishments in the Cup Series.
William Byron Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
William Byron was born to Bill and Dana Byron and has one sister, Kathryn. His family has been supportive of his racing career from a young age, fostering his passion for motorsports.
Personal Life
Byron is a Christian and has expressed that his journey in racing aligns with his faith. He is also an Eagle Scout and has pursued his education at Liberty University, where he is majoring in business communication. In 2021, he shared that his mother was undergoing treatment for a health issue, but she has since recovered.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a remarkable one for William Byron, highlighted by his second consecutive Daytona 500 victory. This win not only marked a significant achievement for Byron but also for Hendrick Motorsports, as it was their first Daytona 500 win since 2014. Byron’s performance throughout the season has been strong, with multiple wins and consistent finishes, positioning him well for the playoffs. As the season progresses, he remains a formidable contender for the championship, showcasing his skill and determination on the track.
