William Byron stunned spectators and commentators with an incredible return to win the checkered flag in one of the most thrilling Daytona 500 finishes ever. Byron overcame a mid-race setback that caused him to drop far down the pack to charge ahead in the last few laps, avoiding collisions, surviving a tight overtime finish, and winning his first-ever Daytona 500.
The victory solidifies Hendrick Motorsports’ supremacy in the sport and solidifies Byron’s position in NASCAR history. It also marks the team’s tenth Daytona 500 victory.
The Race That Had It All: Big Wrecks, Strategy, and a Photo Finish
The 2025 Daytona 500 had drama, turmoil, and high-speed strategy from the moment the green flag was dropped. Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney appeared to be in charge of the race early on, leading several laps and avoiding the first significant collision that eliminated important competitors.
However, the notorious “Big One” which involved reigning champion Kyle Larson, Ross Chastain, and Joey Logano occurred with thirty laps remaining. Dark horses like Chris Buescher and Bubba Wallace were able to contend for the lead after the multi-car collision rearranged the field.
After a slow pit stop, Byron was caught in the middle of the pack and took advantage of the confusion. He skillfully maneuvered through traffic using the draft, conserving his push for the last ten laps.
Then followed the final round in overtime, when the winner was determined by two laps. Byron timed his move well, receiving a huge shove from teammate Alex Bowman to slingshot by in the closing moments as Tyler Reddick and Brad Keselowski led the charge.
The outcome? Fans cheered as Byron defeated Reddick by 0.006 seconds, the third-closest finish in Daytona history, in an incredible picture finish.
Byron’s Emotional Victory: “This One’s for the Team”
In Victory Lane, Byron fought back tears as he gave his team and crew chief Rudy Fugle a special thanks for the victory.
“We never gave up. This race tests everything—patience, strategy, and guts. I knew if we could stay in it, we’d have a shot. Man, this is unreal.”
The 26-year-old adds another accomplishment to Hendrick Motorsports’ illustrious history and becomes the sixth youngest driver to ever win the Daytona 500.
Reactions from the NASCAR World
Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick: “William has been rapping on the door. He kicked it down today. What a way to end!”
Runner-up Tyler Reddick: “We were right there. One more shove was all that was required. Bravo to Byron.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.: “You win Daytona that way. It was precisely timed.
Even Hendrick Motorsports’ senior executive, Jeff Gordon, referred to it as “one of the best comeback runs we’ve ever seen.”
Daytona 500 Results – Top 10 Finishers
- William Byron (Hendrick Motorsports)
- Tyler Reddick (23XI Racing)
- Brad Keselowski (RFK Racing)
- Bubba Wallace (23XI Racing)
- Kyle Busch (Richard Childress Racing)
- Denny Hamlin (Joe Gibbs Racing)
- Chris Buescher (RFK Racing)
- Alex Bowman (Hendrick Motorsports)
- Martin Truex Jr. (Joe Gibbs Racing)
- Chase Elliott (Hendrick Motorsports)
What’s Next for NASCAR?
Now that the NASCAR Cup Series season is well underway, everyone’s attention is focused on the race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Will Byron be able to maintain this momentum? Will Wallace and Reddick keep vying for victories?
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