William Byron dedicates his Daytona 500 triumph to his ‘sick’ dad

Henrick Motorsports secured their first Daytona 500 win since 2014 win by Dale Jr. on Monday.

William Byron dedicates his Daytona 500 triumph to his ‘sick’ dad

William Byron celebrates his Daytona 500 win with the No:24 HMS crew (Via IMAGO)

Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron was arguably the most deserving racer to win the title in 2023 as he produced his career-best season with six race wins and supreme consistency. He has proven that his 2023 performance was no fluke by starting the 2024 season on high, winning the Daytona 500, and ending HMS’ decade-long winless run in the event.

Talking after the race about the win, Byron pointed out that it’s special to come from a sim-racing background and win the Great American Race. He dedicated his unbelievable win to his father, Bill Byron. His father couldn’t make it to the event after falling ill. Byron added that winning the same event he watched from the stands a few years ago is special.

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I’m just a kid from racing on computers and winning the Daytona 500…I can’t believe it. I wish my dad was here. He’s sick, but this is for him, man. We’ve been through so much, and we sat up in the grandstands together and watched the race (when Byron was younger). This is so freaking cool.
Willaim Byron said, as reported by NASCAR.com.

Byron survived two major incidents late in the race that saw just five cautions the whole day. Making it one of the cleanest Daytona 500s since 2004 or two decades. He and his teammate Alex Bowman, who finished P2, were the key factors behind the two crashes that changed the race like the big one with eight laps to go collected 22 cars, including multiple contenders.

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The win was special for Hendrick Motorsports

The end of a decade-long drought isn’t the only factor that makes the William Byron win special for HMS. Monday marked the 40th anniversary of the Chevy Giants to the day, and winning the 500 miles event that day is more than special.

William Byron with the Daytona 500 trophy
William Byron with the Daytona 500 trophy (Via IMAGO)

While talking about the same, Rick Hendrick, their Hall of Fame team owner, pointed out that the way Byron’s win came on Monday is beyond a perfect script that could’ve been written about how HMS would grow. He admitted that when he came into the sport, he felt out of place, and now the wins and all the records make it an awesome experience.  

I’m telling you, you couldn’t write the script any better. When we thought about coming down here the first time, we didn’t think we should be here, felt so out of place…We win this on our 40th to the day, it’s just… and tied a record now, so that’s awesome.
Rick Hendrick said.

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