Willaim Byron emerged as the winner of the Daytona 500, securing the largest prize money ever given in the history of Motorsports. The victory came after an exciting race on Monday, where Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) overcame a late caution in the final laps to claim the prestigious Great American Race. Prior to this triumph in 2024, HMS had not experienced victory at the Daytona 500 since 2014, when another driver achieved success in the No:88 Chevy.
The Daytona 500 holds a special position in the NASCAR calendar, not only because of its esteemed reputation but also due to the significant financial rewards it offers to drivers. The 2024 edition of the event set a new record for the largest prize pool ever in Motorsports, with an astonishing $28 million up for grabs to be distributed among all participating teams.
Since 2015, NASCAR has chosen not to disclose the specific details of the prize money given to the winner. However, based on certain assumptions, it is possible to estimate the share of the pool that HMS received following Byron’s victory. In 2015, the winners of the Daytona 500, along with Team Penske Racing, received a payout of $1,586,503 from a total purse of $18,133,235.
By using the assumption that NASCAR has maintained an 8% to 10% payout formula in recent years, it can be estimated that HMS would have received a check ranging from $2.4 to $2.8 million. In fact, this figure could potentially reach $3 million, as a three-time Daytona 500 winner previously provided a similar estimate of earnings for the victorious driver in the race.
While the financial rewards of winning the Daytona 500 and securing second place will undoubtedly bring satisfaction to Rick Hendrick and his team, the significance of the achievement extends beyond monetary gains. Most notably, HMS put an end to their 10-year drought at this iconic race.
Furthermore, the victory served as a fitting start for HMS’s 40th season. Monday marked exactly four decades since the team’s inception, and Byron’s triumph exemplifies the remarkable journey of HMS from being outsiders to becoming the most decorated team in the history of the sport.
For Jeff Gordon, a four-time Cup champion who now serves as HMS Vice-Chairman, Byron’s victory holds a special place in his heart. Gordon played a crucial role in transforming the No:24 into one of NASCAR’s most iconic charters, and witnessing it succeed at the Daytona 500 for the first time since 2005 evokes a profound emotional experience.
According to the Source firstsportz.com
