At just 27 years old, William Byron has firmly established himself as a prominent figure in the NASCAR Cup Series. Driving the iconic No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Hendrick Motorsports, Byron’s journey from a young racing enthusiast to a two-time Daytona 500 winner is a testament to his dedication and talent.
Early Life and Introduction to Racing
Born on November 29, 1997, in Charlotte, North Carolina, William McComas Byron Jr. is the son of Bill and Dana Byron and has an older sister named Kathryn. His fascination with racing began at the age of six after watching a stock car race on television. This interest deepened when he attended a race at Martinsville Speedway at nine. Unlike many of his peers, Byron’s initial racing experience was virtual; he honed his skills on the iRacing simulator platform, achieving over 100 wins and nearly 300 top-five finishes before transitioning to real-world racing.
Path to Professional Racing
Byron’s real-world racing career commenced in 2012 when, at 15, he began competing in Legends cars. His impressive performance led him to clinch the Legend Car Young Lions Division championship, securing 33 wins that season. In 2014, JR Motorsports recognized his potential and signed him for their late model program. Byron’s upward trajectory continued as he won the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East championship in 2015. The following year, he made his debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with Kyle Busch Motorsports, marking the beginning of his professional NASCAR career.
Ascendancy in the NASCAR Cup Series
In 2018, at 20, Byron joined Hendrick Motorsports, taking over the No. 24 car from Chase Elliott. His rookie season culminated in earning the Sunoco Rookie of the Year award. Over the years, Byron has achieved significant milestones:
- First Cup Series Win (2020): Byron secured his inaugural Cup Series victory at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway, ensuring his spot in the playoffs.
- Back-to-Back Daytona 500 Wins (2024 & 2025): Demonstrating exceptional skill and consistency, Byron won the prestigious Daytona 500 in consecutive years, becoming the youngest driver to achieve this feat. apnews.com
- Career Statistics (as of February 2025): Byron boasts 14 Cup Series victories, 13 pole positions, and 105 top-ten finishes in 253 starts. nascar.com
Financial Standing and Endorsements
As of February 2025, William Byron’s estimated net worth is approximately $2 million.
planetf1.com While specific details about his salary remain private, his earnings are supplemented by endorsements and sponsorships. Byron’s partnerships include Liberty University, Axalta, Valvoline, Relay, Hewlett-Packard, Chevrolet, Logitech, US Radiator, iRacing, Racing America, and HendrickCars.com. These collaborations not only enhance his income but also reflect his marketability and appeal within the motorsports community.
Personal Life
Beyond the racetrack, Byron maintains a close relationship with his family. He began dating Erin Blaney, sister of fellow NASCAR driver Ryan Blaney, in 2019. The couple does not have children. Byron’s commitment to his education is evident as he continues to pursue a degree in business communication from Liberty University, balancing his academic endeavors with his racing career.
Legacy of the No. 24 Car
The No. 24 car holds a storied legacy in NASCAR, primarily due to the success of Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon. Byron’s association with this iconic number is both an honor and a responsibility. In May 2023, he added to its legacy by securing the 100th victory for the No. 24 car with a win at Darlington Raceway. This achievement underscores Byron’s role in upholding and advancing the storied history of the No. 24.
Hendrick Motorsports Milestone
Byron’s contributions have been instrumental in Hendrick Motorsports’ continued success. In September 2023, his victory at Texas Motor Speedway marked the 300th Cup Series win for the team, a testament to their dominance in the sport. Byron’s performance not only highlights his personal achievements but also reinforces the strength and legacy of Hendrick Motorsports in NASCAR history.
In summary, William Byron’s rapid ascent in the NASCAR Cup Series is a blend of innate talent, unwavering dedication, and strategic opportunities. As he continues to build on his impressive career, Byron stands poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of motorsports.
