From Victory Lane to the Skyline: Daytona 500 Champion Visits the Empire State Building

Fresh off his thrilling victory at the 2025 Daytona 500, William Byron continued the time-honored tradition of winners visiting the Empire State Building. On February 18, 2025, Byron was welcomed to the iconic New York City landmark, celebrating his back-to-back triumphs in “The Great American Race.”

Byron’s visit to the Empire State Building underscores the significance of his achievement, as he became the first driver since Denny Hamlin in 2019-2020 to secure consecutive Daytona 500 victories. This milestone also marked the 10th Daytona 500 win for Hendrick Motorsports, setting a new record for the team. 

Daytona 500 winner stop in lobby of Empire State Building. pic.twitter.com/nAlioBVWnq

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 18, 2025

During his visit, Byron posed for photographs with the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop, reflecting on his journey from the high banks of Daytona International Speedway to one of the world’s most recognizable skyscrapers. The Empire State Building, often illuminated in celebratory colors for special occasions, stood as a testament to Byron’s hard-fought victory and the enduring connection between NASCAR and its fans nationwide.

Byron’s back-to-back victories have solidified his status as one of NASCAR’s premier talents, and his visit to the Empire State Building serves as a reminder of the sport’s rich traditions and the celebratory moments that follow monumental achievements on the track.