William Byron’s dominance isn’t a fluke, and Hendrick Motorsports made that clear today by announcing a four-year contract extension for the 27-year-old through 2029. The deal locks Byron into the iconic No. 24 Chevrolet, a ride he’s steered to back-to-back Daytona 500 wins and consecutive Championship 4 appearances.
Now second in the 2025 standings, Byron eyes Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, a home-track crown jewel that could cap a career-defining week. For Hendrick, the move signals unwavering faith in a driver reshaping NASCAR’s hierarchy.
William Byron’s Unconventional Path to NASCAR Stardom
Byron’s story starts with a simulator. The Charlotte native taught himself racing on iRacing before convincing his parents to fund a real-world career. Hendrick spotted his raw talent early, signing him at 18. A 2017 Xfinity Series title, won as a rookie, catapulted him to the Cup Series.
Since then? 14 wins, six playoff berths, two Daytona 500 trophies, and more achievements to his name.
NEWS: @WilliamByron will drive the iconic No. 24 through 2029 đź”’
đź“° https://t.co/iG0WuDhRaB pic.twitter.com/527FMDRokR
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick)
“We’ve built something special with the No. 24 team,” Byron said in a press release. The stats back it: 13 of his wins came with crew chief Rudy Fugle, reuniting a duo that dominated Trucks in 2016. Their chemistry is undeniable — Byron’s 386 laps led this year rank second in Cup.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to continue working with amazing people at Hendrick Motorsports who believe in me, especially Mr. and Mrs. Hendrick,” Byron added.
“William is the real deal,” team owner Rick Hendrick said. “What makes him so special is that he combines natural ability with an unrivaled work ethic. You see it in the great ones – the drivers who could get by on talent alone but choose to outwork everyone anyway. That’s William.”
Hendrick Doubles Down on Byron’s Championship Pedigree
The extension isn’t just about wins. It’s about legacy. Byron now carries the No. 24 mantle that Jeff Gordon turned into a NASCAR legend, a pressure he’s embraced. Since 2020, his 14 victories trail only Kyle Larson (26) and Denny Hamlin (19). But consistency sets him apart: six straight playoff runs.
Hendrick’s gamble? Byron hasn’t peaked. At 27, he’s the youngest multi-time Daytona 500 winner. This season, he’s a title threat again, second in standings, hungry for his first Cup championship.
“We’ve accomplished some great things that we’re really proud of, but we have even bigger goals ahead,” Byron said. “I’m excited to go after them with this team and this organization.”
But challenges linger. Teammate Larson looms as a perennial rival. Rising stars like Chase Elliott push harder each week. For Byron, the extension is a launchpad, not a finish line. Hendrick knows it.
“On top of it all, he’s a person of high character and embraces his role as a leader. We’re proud to have him in our lineup and look forward to many more wins together,” the owner said. With stability secured, Byron’s next act begins now.