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William Byron’s Daytona 500 Triumph: Can He Truly Take the Torch from Jeff Gordon?

Simon Monroy by Simon Monroy
December 23, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
William Byron’s Daytona 500 Triumph: Can He Truly Take the Torch from Jeff Gordon?

Nov 10, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver William Byron prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The 2024 NASCAR season celebrated a monumental milestone for Hendrick Motorsports (HMS)—their 40th anniversary. What began in 1984 as a small operation with just five full-time employees has transformed into the most dominant force in NASCAR, boasting 339 victories and 16 driver championships across the Cup, Xfinity, and Truck Series. Yet, amidst this storied legacy, one question looms large: Can the young William Byron, driving the iconic No. 24 car, truly rise to the heights once reached by HMS legend Jeff Gordon?


HMS: A Dynasty of Champions

Hendrick Motorsports has always been synonymous with greatness. Over the years, the team has fielded some of NASCAR’s most legendary drivers—Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Jeff Gordon, to name a few. Among them, Jeff Gordon stands as a towering figure, earning 93 wins behind the wheel of the No. 24 car, making it one of the most iconic numbers in motorsport history.

For years, the No. 24 car symbolized dominance, precision, and championship glory. When Byron took the reins of the No. 24, the pressure to uphold its legacy was immense. But the 26-year-old driver has steadily proved he’s no ordinary successor.


A New Chapter at Daytona

Byron’s defining moment came at this year’s Daytona 500, where he clinched his first crown jewel victory and ended HMS’s agonizing nine-year drought at the prestigious event. The win was as dramatic as it was historic.

The weekend started disastrously for Byron. A crash with Kyle Busch in Thursday’s practice sidelined him, and poor weather conditions pushed the race from Sunday to Monday. Yet Byron showcased the resilience that has become his hallmark.

In a race that saw chaos and unpredictability, Byron stayed consistent, running in the top 10 through the first two stages. But it was a late crash in the final stage that shuffled the pack and handed Byron a golden opportunity. Engaging in a fierce wheel-to-wheel battle with Ross Chastain, Byron held his nerve and surged to victory.


Jeff Gordon’s Seal of Approval

The significance of Byron’s win wasn’t lost on Jeff Gordon, who watched proudly from the HMS pit box. Gordon, now a senior executive at HMS, heaped praise on his protégé, saying:

“He was already a superstar. He just went to another level of being a superstar.”

Such high praise from the man who once defined the No. 24 legacy speaks volumes about Byron’s growth as a driver. Byron’s performance at Daytona not only highlighted his talent but also reaffirmed his place as HMS’s leading figure in the Next-Gen era.


Living Up to a Legacy

Since the introduction of NASCAR’s Next-Gen car, Byron has emerged as HMS’s standout driver, amassing 11 wins, including six in the 2023 season, where he reached the Championship 4. But Byron’s Daytona 500 victory may be his most significant achievement yet, cementing his role as a legitimate contender to carry the No. 24 legacy forward.

For team owner Rick Hendrick, Byron’s triumph was the perfect way to celebrate HMS’s 40th anniversary. Speaking after the race, Hendrick reflected on the team’s journey:

“You couldn’t write the script any better: 24 in ’24. When we thought about coming down here the first time (in 1984), we didn’t think we should be here and felt so out of place.”


The Road Ahead: Can Byron Match Gordon?

The Daytona 500 win was more than just a race—it was a passing of the torch. Byron’s success represents the continuation of a legacy built by Gordon and sustained by HMS. But can Byron truly match the achievements of his legendary predecessor?

While Gordon’s 93 wins and four championships remain a lofty benchmark, Byron’s trajectory suggests he’s on the right path. With youth on his side and the resources of HMS at his disposal, Byron has the potential to etch his name among NASCAR’s all-time greats.

However, the No. 24 car carries a weight unlike any other in NASCAR. For every win, there will be comparisons. For every setback, there will be doubters. Byron’s challenge isn’t just winning races—it’s carving out his unique legacy while respecting the one he’s inherited. 

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