Rise to Success: Career Highlights of William Byron (racing driver)

Discover the career path of William Byron (racing driver), from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

William Byron is a prominent American professional stock car racing driver. He currently races full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, piloting the No. 24 Chevrolet ZL1 for Hendrick Motorsports. In addition to his Cup Series commitments, Byron also participates part-time in both the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the No. 17 Chevrolet SS for HMS, and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the No. 07 Chevrolet Silverado RST for Spire Motorsports. Byron is known for his success at a young age and his progression through the NASCAR ranks.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1984: Hendrick Motorsports' First Race

In 1984, Hendrick Motorsports ran its first-ever race as a team at the Daytona 500.

2005: Jeff Gordon's Daytona 500 Win

In 2005, Jeff Gordon won the Daytona 500 driving the No. 24 car.

2012: Legend Car Young Lions Division Champion

In 2012, William Byron began racing Legends cars and won 33 races, becoming the Legend Car Young Lions Division champion.

2014: Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Daytona 500 Win

In 2014, Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the Daytona 500 for Hendrick Motorsports.

2014: Signed with JR Motorsports late model program

In 2014, William Byron signed with JR Motorsports late model program and competed in the No. 9 Liberty University Chevrolet at Hickory Motor Speedway, securing one victory and finishing second in points.

October 29, 2015: KBM Announcement

On October 29, 2015, Kyle Busch Motorsports announced that William Byron would run full-time in the team's No. 9 Toyota Tundra in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series during the 2016 season.

2015: K&N Pro Series East Champion

In 2015, William Byron won the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Championship, alongside his ARCA Racing Series debut driving the No. 55 Liberty University Toyota Camry.

August 18, 2016: Signed with Hendrick Motorsports

On August 18, 2016, William Byron and Hendrick Motorsports announced a multi-year driver contract, with Byron running full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro SS for JR Motorsports in 2017.

2016: First Truck Series Win

In 2016, William Byron secured his first Truck Series win at Kansas and achieved a total of five wins throughout the season, setting a rookie record.

August 9, 2017: Replacement for Kasey Kahne

On August 9, 2017, Hendrick Motorsports announced William Byron would replace Kasey Kahne in the No. 5 car in 2018, continuing sponsorship with Axalta Coating Systems and Liberty University.

2017: Xfinity Series Championship

In 2017, William Byron won the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship and secured his first career race win at Iowa.

October 10, 2018: Chad Knaus Becomes Crew Chief

On October 10, 2018, Hendrick Motorsports announced that Darian Grubb would become a technical director and Chad Knaus would take over crew chief duties for William Byron and the No. 24 in 2019.

2019: Daytona 500 Pole and Playoff Appearance

In 2019, William Byron won the Daytona 500 pole and made his first career playoff appearance.

2020: First Cup Victory at Daytona

In 2020, William Byron scored his first career Cup victory at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona, securing a spot in the playoffs.

June 2021: Returned to Truck Series

In June 2021, William Byron returned to the Truck Series, driving the No. 27 for Rackley W.A.R. at Nashville Superspeedway.

2021: Win at Homestead-Miami Speedway

In 2021, William Byron won the race at Homestead-Miami Speedway and achieved a career-high 10th place finish in the points standings.

April 7, 2022: First Truck Series Win for Spire Motorsports

On April 7, 2022, William Byron drove the No. 7 for Spire Motorsports, securing the team's first Truck Series win at Martinsville.

May 5, 2022: Contract Extension Through 2025

On May 5, 2022, William Byron received a contract extension to remain at Hendrick Motorsports through 2025.

2022: Contract Extension

In 2020, William Byron signed a contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports through the 2022 season.

2022: Xfinity Series Return

In 2022, William Byron returned to the Xfinity series, driving the JR Motorsports No. 88 and the Hendrick Motorsports No. 17 in various races.

March 9, 2023: Return to Kyle Busch Motorsports

On March 9, 2023, it was announced that William Byron would return to Kyle Busch Motorsports for the first time in six years, driving the No. 51 at Bristol Dirt, Darlington, and North Wilkesboro.

2023: Runner-Up Finish at COTA

In 2023, William Byron returned to the No. 17 for a single race at COTA, finishing as runner-up to A. J. Allmendinger.

February 27, 2024: Four Xfinity Races in No. 17

On February 27, 2024, it was announced that William Byron would drive the No. 17 in 4 races throughout 2024, at Phoenix, Darlington, Pocono, and Watkins Glen.

2024: Daytona 500 Win

In 2024, William Byron won the Daytona 500, marking the first win for the No. 24 since 2005 and for Hendrick Motorsports since 2014. This 2024 win coincided with the 40th anniversary of Hendrick Motorsports' first race.