This article is one of four features highlighting the finalists—Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Chase Briscoe—who will compete for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship in Phoenix on Sunday. William Byron marked a major milestone in his career by celebrating a significant win at Martinsville Speedway with a quiet night at home, baking cookies and spending time with family, as his crew immediately began preparing for the championship race.
Despite the subdued celebration, Byron is fueled with excitement and determination for the upcoming event. His team is already on the move, heading to Phoenix for the final showdown. Reflecting on his victory, Byron shared how he enjoyed a calm evening with his dad and sister, focusing quickly on the next challenge rather than lingering on the win.
Byron, who finished third in the championship standings the last two years, brings experience and confidence into the final race. Having won back-to-back Daytona 500s, he knows the pressure and the thrill of big-stage victories. At 27, he is riding a mix of emotions and motivation as he prepares to face tough competitors Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and Chase Briscoe for the title.
Byron acknowledges the challenge but also the momentum his team has gathered, especially after winning the semifinal at Martinsville—an important stepping stone, as demonstrated by Ryan Blaney’s championship two years ago. Holding the regular season title and leading in laps led, Byron has demonstrated strong performance even if his top-five finishes haven’t increased compared to last year.
With improved communication and car adjustments under crew chief Rudy Fugle, Byron feels his team is hitting its stride, building on the momentum from their Daytona 500 win. While that victory gave them confidence early in the year, the team understands the need to keep pushing for consistent results and finish strong as the season wraps up.
Team owner Rick Hendrick emphasized that while winning Daytona is special, the focus must shift quickly to accumulating points and winning races throughout the season. Byron echoes this mindset, feeling that all the pieces are falling into place and that he is operating at his best.
Fan Take: William Byron’s calm focus and steady ascent signal a thrilling climax to the NASCAR season, highlighting the blend of experience and youthful energy in the sport. His pursuit of the championship underscores NASCAR’s evolving competitive landscape and promises an exciting finale for fans.
