William Byron

William McComas Byron Jr. (born November 29, 1997) is an American professional stock car racing driver competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. He drives the iconic No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Hendrick Motorsports, where he has firmly established himself as one of NASCAR’s elite competitors. Byron is noted for his rapid rise through the ranks, multiple national championships, and back-to-back Daytona 500 victories in 2024 and 2025.

Early Life and Background

Born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, Byron’s interest in racing began at age six after watching racing broadcasts on television. However, unlike many drivers, he did not start driving actual race cars until age 16, having honed his racing skills extensively through sim racing, where he won over 100 virtual races. He transitioned to Legends cars at 15, winning 33 races in his first season, and quickly moved up through late model racing and the NASCAR regional series. His authentic rise from virtual racing to professional competition is considered remarkable within the sport.

Career

Byron signed with Hendrick Motorsports in 2016 after a record-breaking rookie season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with Kyle Busch Motorsports, where he earned seven wins and rookie of the year honors. In 2017, he won the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship at age 19 with JR Motorsports, adding Rookie of the Year to his accolades in two consecutive national series.

He debuted full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2018 driving the No. 24 Chevrolet, a number with rich history formerly driven by Jeff Gordon. Byron won the Cup Series Rookie of the Year award in 2018. His first Cup win came at Daytona International Speedway in 2020. He emerged as a top competitor with six wins in 2023, reaching the Championship 4 for the first time and finishing third in the final standings.

Byron continued his impressive performance by winning the Daytona 500 in consecutive years, 2024 and 2025, making him the fifth driver in NASCAR history to accomplish back-to-back victories in “The Great American Race.” He has accrued 14 career Cup wins as of mid-2025 and maintains a strong playoff presence.

Off-Track Ventures

Beyond racing, Byron is an online student at Liberty University and holds Eagle Scout honors. He is active in charitable efforts, notably supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Carolinas, and hosts community and charity events. Additionally, Byron enjoys hobbies such as Lego building, iRacing, fitness, and following Charlotte-based sports teams. He maintains an engaged social media presence and works with sponsors like Axalta, Cincinnati Inc., and Liberty University.

Net Worth

William Byron’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million as of 2025. His income derives from race winnings, multi-year sponsorship deals, endorsements, and media appearances. Given his ascending career trajectory and marketability, Byron’s financial profile is on an upward trend.

Personal Life

Byron lives in North Carolina and is known for balancing his professional commitments with a fairly private personal life. As of 2025, his is not married. He is recognized for his focused and humble demeanor within the racing community.

Recent Controversies

Byron’s career has been largely free of controversy. There are no reported major legal or ethical issues involving him as of 2025. He is viewed as a professional and disciplined competitor who concentrates on performance and development.

Key Highlights from Seasons 2024 and 2025

• 2024: Won the Daytona 500, one of the sport’s most prestigious events, and posted nine total victories. Byron also led the series with 42 top-10 finishes and an impressive 11.9 average finish, securing a spot in the Championship 4 for the second consecutive year.

• 2025 (to date): Captured a second consecutive Daytona 500 win, becoming the fifth driver in NASCAR history to win back-to-back at Daytona. Through 22 races, he has recorded 1 win, 11 top-10 finishes, 7 top-5s, 2 poles, and remains a top contender in the Cup Series standings, working closely with crew chief Rudy Fugle.