The NASCAR community is buzzing this holiday season, not just with Christmas cheer but with the heartwarming acts of kindness by its stars. While some legends, like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Denny Hamlin, are soaking in the festive spirit with their families, others, like William Byron, are making a difference in their communities alongside Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy.
In a heartfelt gesture, Byron threw his support behind Portnoy’s effort to save Tiny Brick Oven, a struggling pizza joint in Baltimore, amplifying the cause to NASCAR’s vast fanbase.
Dave Portnoy’s Philanthropic Pizza Mission
Portnoy, known for his One Bite Pizza Reviews, took his platform to the next level during the holidays. Visiting Tiny Brick Oven, he encountered a passionate owner on the brink of closure due to an inability to secure a liquor license—a $60,000 obstacle standing between the business and survival.
The Barstool mogul didn’t stop at sharing the story with his millions of followers; he made it a mission to rally support. His efforts struck a chord with William Byron, who re-shared Portnoy’s plea on social media with the simple but impactful message: “Merry Christmas.”
William Byron: NASCAR’s Philanthropic Star
Byron’s involvement in the cause is no surprise. The Hendrick Motorsports driver, who boasts 13 NASCAR Cup Series victories, has long been a champion of charitable initiatives. Earlier this year, he hosted the 4th Annual William Byron Charity Golf Tournament, raising an astounding $700,000 for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Carolinas. Speaking on the event’s success, Byron humbly credited his supporters:
“I’m just the lucky guy that gets to show up and play golf and talk about it. Mr. Hendrick’s last-minute donation was really generous, so I’m grateful for that too.”
With a history of giving back, Byron’s decision to elevate Portnoy’s campaign underscores his commitment to using his platform for good.
The NASCAR and Barstool Connection
Barstool Sports has been a major player in NASCAR since 2019, pioneering creative ways to engage fans, including betting innovations like cross-sport parlays. Portnoy’s ties to the sport only deepen the impact of his charitable efforts. His pizza ratings have evolved into a unique avenue for supporting small businesses, and with Byron’s influence added to the mix, Tiny Brick Oven now finds itself at the center of a social media-driven miracle.
Fans Rally Around Byron and Portnoy
The racing community wasted no time expressing their admiration for the duo’s efforts. Fans lauded Portnoy’s generosity and Byron’s timely signal boost:
- “This is why we love Dave. He cares about people. These are the stories we want to share during the holidays.”
- “Merry Christmas to the 2025 NASCAR champ 🔥” — a nod to Byron’s potential for future success.
- “That was cool of you, Dave. You made his life! He’s probably going to have a child and name it after you.”
A Bright Future for Tiny Brick Oven
Thanks to the combined efforts of Portnoy, Byron, and an outpouring of support from fans, the owner of Tiny Brick Oven may see his $60,000 goal realized sooner than expected. As one fan optimistically put it:
“I hope this guy’s small business flourishes 🎄🍕.”
The collaboration between NASCAR’s rising star and Barstool’s philanthropic mogul is a shining example of how sports personalities can use their platforms to create meaningful change, even beyond the racetrack.
Conclusion
William Byron and Dave Portnoy’s efforts this Christmas season serve as a powerful reminder of the impact that small acts of kindness can have. While Byron chases glory on the NASCAR circuit, his actions off the track prove that he’s already a champion in the eyes of many. Together, the NASCAR and Barstool communities have rallied around a struggling business, turning a season of joy into one of transformation. Tiny Brick Oven’s future now glows as brightly as the Christmas lights adorning its neighborhood.