William Byron Claps Back at “Overblown” Regular Season Performance Slump Claims

Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron is coming into the playoff as the second ranked drivers, with 32 bonus points on his bag and after winning the regular season championship, behind teammate Kyle Larson who also scored the same points. Despite this, there has been a lot of negative conversation about the No:24 teams’ performance slump.

This was because of the fact that in the last ten races, he has finished outside the top 25 four times and top 15 six times. Though he won the Iowa race the same time, these stretch of finishes were uncharacteristic of the racer, that was flying high from day one with Daytona 500 win. William Byron isn’t a fan of this assertion and has called out the media.

In his pre-playoff press conference, as the 16 drivers are getting ready for Darlington race, Byron asserted that he doesn’t think he had a performance slump and slammed the media for making such overblown claims. He backed his argument by highlighting how his poor finishes were results of wrecks and all those days he was among the fastest cars.

Yeah, I don’t really know if we were slumping. I think that’s really overblown. We were the fastest car at Pocono before I crashed in qualifying and then had the fastest lap at Chicago in practice before I crashed. Then we showed up at Iowa and won a couple weeks later.

William Byron said via Motorsport.com.

Based on these points, he doesn’t think there was any slump, other than a small hiccup. At the end of the day, it was another consistent season from his in the Next-Gen era, putting him in a good spot for the playoffs. But at the same time, he did admit that he has to be better in the next ten races as the current form isn’t enough to earn him the title.

So, I don’t really feel like we were ever in a slump. I just think we didn’t have the results. If we were trying to get through the playoffs, maybe that would be different. But I feel really good about our team this year and feel like we’re in a good spot.

William Byron added.

It’s all about winning the title for William Byron

In the same conversation, the No:24 Chevy driver explained what his primary objective at the moment is. For him, nothing else matters more than winning the 2025 Bill France cup by executing with perfection in the last 10 races.

It further proves that nothing else matters besides winning the championship in this 10-race stretch. Winning races would be awesome throughout the rounds.

William Byron said.

He can use his constancy to grind his way to the championship-4, but in the season finale, he has to be clutch and win the race. So, he doesn’t care if he has to win his way or point his way to the final race at Phonies, it all about how he performs when it matters the most.

But when you get to the final round, it’s all about winning that race. There’s not much consolation. Pointing your way through is great and gives you a chance to get to Phoenix. But it doesn’t really mean much.

William Byron added.

The comments from the HMS star driver shows he has confidence on himself and his team, going into the first race of R-16. He understands with the right car and solid execution, 2025 offers him the best shot at winning the championship he has ever had.

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