As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season reaches its climax, all eyes turn to Phoenix Raceway, where four drivers will duel for the championship. Among them stands Denny Hamlin, the oldest driver in the field, still chasing his elusive first title after more than two decades at the top.
His teammate Chase Briscoe shares that same hunger, as does William Byron, while Kyle Larson enters as the only contender who’s been here and won it before. Yet as much of the spotlight falls on Hamlin’s long-awaited quest, the youngest of the four, Byron, arrives in Phoenix calm, composed, and determined to rewrite his own story, seeking redemption in his third straight shot at NASCAR glory.
Can William Byron Finally Conquer Phoenix and Capture His First Cup Title?
Third time’s the charm for Byron. Two years of coming up short have only sharpened the HMS driver’s resolve. The 27-year-old rose to the occasion at Martinsville last week, carrying Hendrick Motorsports on his back with a masterful drive that sealed the final two championship spots for himself and No. 5 teammate Larson.
“When I hear you say that – third straight – it’s really cool,” Byron said (via Racer.com) of his consecutive finale appearances. “We should take pride in that as a team, honestly, because it’s hard to do, especially with this Next Gen car. It’s exciting. It’s awesome that our team’s been here and done this before.”
Unlike Hamlin, who buries himself in numbers and stats, Byron is taking a different approach to the title fight. The No. 24 driver is keeping things simple, spending time with friends and family, enjoying the weekend, and staying composed amid the high-stakes atmosphere.
Taking in the magnitude of the moment, Byron reflected on what it means to be back in Phoenix for the finale. “I think we’re glad to be here. In some ways, throughout the year, we kind of expected to get to this point, but I think that’s a dangerous feeling, right? You don’t want to expect anything because this sport is very unpredictable, and there’s a lot that you have to work through.”
Byron enters the championship round statistically among the season’s best, matching teammate Larson for the most stage wins (10) and ranking second in playoff points with 32. His consistency has been just as impressive, boasting the second-best average starting position (10.2) and the fourth-best average finish (14.0).
Now in his eighth full-time Cup Series campaign, the Charlotte native has evolved into one of NASCAR’s most complete drivers, trailing only Larson in total wins.
Even on the brink of a potential title triumph, Byron maintained that winning both the regular season and overall championships wouldn’t necessarily prove anything, as each requires a completely different mindset.
The regular season rewards consistency, while the playoffs demand adaptability and composure in high-pressure situations. Still, he believes that excelling in both formats reflects true versatility, the hallmark of a complete champion.