William Byron exposes where he “lost control” of Darlington Cup race after coming close to a PERFECT victory

HMS’ William Byron is disappointed after the Darlington race lost despite having a strong car and explained what went wrong.

William Byron exposes where he “lost control” of Darlington Cup race after coming close to a PERFECT victory

William Byron (Via IMAGO)

Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron, who started the season strong with the Daytona 500 win has been the most consistent driver of the season. He has been running and finishing inside the top-10 in almost every race of the season. The dominance of the No:24 Hendrick Motorsports team was on show yet again, this Sunday at Darlington.

William Byron dominated the first half of the race, starting on pole, winning the first two stages and leading every lap possible. He led 243 of 297 total laps and had the opportunity to win the race, leading all the laps for the first time since Jeff Burton in 25 years. While they rivals couldn’t pass Byron on the track with speed, they turned to strategy and undercut him with early pit to get the lead.

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Byron was behind Christopher Bell and Tyler Reddick after the stop, and he failed to get close to them due to traffic. At the same time eventually winner Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney took advantage of the situation. Despite the disappointment, he is proud of his team, as they gave him an almost perfect race and executing on an elite level.

First off, really proud of my team, bringing that level of effort and preparation, have a car like that. For us to execute like that, it was looking like it was going to be a perfect race. We were going to lead every lap. Was really proud of that.

William Byron said via Motorsports.com.

Further talking about the point, after finishing the race at P3, Byron pointed out that his team lost control of the race because of the aggressive green flag pit cycle and didn’t have enough time to close the dap. But he sees the positives as well and believes he can move on from the stinging feelings with momentum on his side going into the next-week.

Those guys could be aggressive on the other side of the green flag cycle, we lost control there. Once we lost control, too late in the going to kind of get back up there. Yeah, it suc*s. I’m sure it will sting a lot tonight. There’s still a lot of positives. It stings in the moment, for sure.

William Byron added.

William Byron came into the calling Darlington his best track

What makes the race lost painful for Byron is special relation he has win the track. In his interview on Saturday after winning the pole, he admitted that he loves the track, and sees it as one his best venues. The physical and mental challenge the track offers alongside the fun he has had since his debut at Darlington is the reason for it.

William Byron
William Byron (Via IMAGO)

This is maybe my best track. I feel like this is just a place I love coming to. You know, I think that ever since I’ve been here as a driver, I’ve just enjoyed coming down here. It’s a tough challenge. I really test you mentally, physically.

William Byron said.

There is also a nostalgia factor that attracts hm to the track, every time he comes here. As a kid growing up watching NASCAR, Lady in the Black was his favorite track and he has visited the track many times with family in their childhood beach trips.

And, you know, off the track I had a lot of nostalgia coming here. You know, as a kid it was just the place that I loved seeing on the way, you know, going to Myrtle Beach as a kid.

William Byron added.

The comment from Byron shows he would have been over the moon if he finally secures a win at the track. But when he is up against the likes of Denny Hamlin, who is an all-time great at the track and has momentum from the previous week, things might not always go as expected. He will be looking to bounce back as soon as next week with a second win of 2025.