William Byron is preparing to make NASCAR history by attempting to become the first driver to win three consecutive Daytona 500s. However, he will face this challenge in a backup Chevrolet after sustaining damage to his primary No. 24 car during a qualifying race at Daytona International Speedway.
Byron previously won his first Daytona 500 in 2024 with a backup car, so he remains optimistic about his chances. He commented, “We’ve won this race with a backup car, so I’m not super worried. But it does suck that you put a lot of work into the primary and you don’t get to race it.” Byron will start from the 39th position in a 41-car field…
Challenges and Historical Context
Byron’s quest to achieve this milestone is significant. No driver has won the Daytona 500 three years in a row since its inception. Notable drivers such as Richard Petty (1975), Cale Yarborough (1985), Sterling Marlin (1996), and Denny Hamlin (2021) all fell short in their attempts. Hamlin remarked that for Byron to succeed, “things need to fall your way.” He added, “There’s an element of fortune there that has to fall your way.”
- Byron led a total of 14 laps in his previous wins.
- He was ninth at the start of the final lap last year when he claimed victory amidst a crash.
- Byron has a history of struggles at Daytona, having failed to finish half of his career starts.
Turning Point for Byron
Byron has seen a remarkable turnaround, as he previously faced consistent setbacks at this track. He stated, “I feel like for a while it was a joke; I couldn’t finish a race here.” However, his improved performance at drafting tracks, including five top-five finishes at Talladega, showcases his growing skill. Byron noted, “Once we figured out a way to finish the races at Daytona, it seemed to go the other way.”
Other Key Races and Competitors
Meanwhile, Kyle Busch is looking to end his long-standing drought in the Daytona 500. Starting on the pole for the first time, Busch has yet to win this prestigious race in over 20 attempts. His son, Brexton, watches eagerly from the infield, adding emotional stakes to Busch’s performance.
Denny Hamlin is also in pursuit of his fourth Daytona 500 win, which would tie him for second-most all-time victories in this race. Hamlin expressed that every win elevates a driver’s status. “The list is so small at that four number, it certainly was on my mind on the last lap last year,” he said.
Injuries and Comebacks
Brad Keselowski, who is seeking his first Daytona 500 victory in 17 attempts, is competing despite a recently sustained injury from a skiing accident. He has expressed determination, noting that adrenaline helps mitigate the pain while racing.
Odds and Predictions
Joey Logano and Chase Elliott have emerged as strong contenders, winning their respective qualifying races earlier in the week. According to betting odds, Logano and his Team Penske teammate Ryan Blaney are favorites at plus-1200. The race is set to commence with high anticipation as Byron makes his historical attempt in a backup car.
