Since 1959, 13 drivers have gained a number of Daytona 500s, and 5 of these have managed to do it in back-to-back years. That second group contains names like Petty, Yarborough, Hamlin, and Marlin — however none have been in a position to win NASCAR’s largest race in three consecutive years.
However that is precisely what William Byron can be making an attempt to do that weekend after avoiding wrecks on the entrance of the sphere to win the five hundred in each 2024 and 2025.
Has the Hendrick Motorsports driver allowed himself to consider a possible three-peat?
The reply: “Not a lot.”
However that does not imply it is not vital to the driving force of the No. 24 Chevrolet.
“Clearly that is the aim. I believe, yeah, I get reminders of the earlier races, whether or not I see simply the movies or whatnot,” stated Byron. “Yeah, it is nice career-defining moments that we have had. It is superior. It is particular. However I do not actually suppose forward an excessive amount of. I simply take into consideration type of what it is going to absorb these subsequent couple days main as much as it.”
William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Picture by: James Gilbert / Getty Pictures
Byron can also be returning to the automotive after a “nice low season,” and described himself as being “actually excited” to get again behind the wheel for the 2026 NASCAR Cup season. He is additionally shocked that no driver has managed to win three consecutive Daytona 500s earlier than.
“It does shock me in that I really feel like there’s been some drafting packages that have been actually simpler to win three in a row than this one at present,” remarked Byron. “I am somewhat shocked that there wasn’t a run by someone like a Dale Jr. or one thing. He and his workforce had a fairly good maintain on what it took to be aggressive and he made nice selections. It simply reveals how laborious this race is and the way a lot stress there may be.
“It isn’t like going to Martinsville and simply having it found out, having a rhythm, main a bunch of laps and profitable. It is positively a really circumstantial — split-second race. I believe that is in all probability what makes it entertaining, too.”
In 2024, Byron was out entrance when the race-ending warning flew, however his most up-to-date 500 triumph was very inconceivable. He was a number of rows again on the ultimate lap, however narrowly escaped getting collected in an enormous crash that concerned each single driver inside the highest 5.
“Effectively, I imply, it was very unpredictable,” stated Byron as he mirrored on his second 500 win. “I did not actually really feel like I had a shot to win and even be within the combine till we took the white flag. Then off of flip two, I felt like, man, there is a chance that one thing develops the place I can possibly push Cole [Custer] to the win, push him out, then have a run on the line or one thing like that. I knew we have been in the precise lane down the backstretch.
“When all of it unfolded with the wreck, I used to be simply hoping that I’d have a lane to get previous that. Simply labored out that I felt like I used to be in the precise lane coming off of two and center of the backstretch. Then, it was nearly clearly lacking the large crash there and having sufficient momentum to make a transfer if I wanted to.”
Not anticipating to have many pals
2025 Daytona 500 winner William Byron, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Picture by: Mike Ehrmann – Getty Pictures
Being the two-time and defending winner, one may suppose Byron can have numerous pals within the draft this weekend, however he believes it will likely be the ‘reverse,’ as his rivals would a lot and put the No. 24 out of competition.
“I believe it will likely be the alternative, for certain. I will not have loads of pals. I may see it being that manner,” famous Byron.
“Yeah, I believe it does depend upon the way you draft. If what you are doing and also you make good selections, then guys usually work with you. I do suppose coming all the way down to the tip, it might be powerful for me to have these allies and people pals to make a transfer. Simply acquired to be sensible about it and possibly not overthink it an excessive amount of. Simply react to what I really feel and what I see.”
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