The 2025 Daytona 500 delivered high-speed drama, but for William Byron, it ended with his name etched in history—again. The Hendrick Motorsports driver became the first back-to-back Daytona 500 winner since Sterling Marlin in 1994-95, further solidifying himself as one of NASCAR’s top superspeedway racers.
One of the first to react to Byron’s monumental win was four-time Cup Series champion and Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman Jeff Gordon. After watching his young driver take the checkered flag, Gordon summed it up in just seven words:
“William Byron is the real deal. Again.”
Byron’s Rise to NASCAR’s Elite
Byron’s talent has been evident for years, but now, with two consecutive Daytona 500 victories, he’s proving himself as a clutch performer on the sport’s biggest stage. His ability to navigate the unpredictable nature of superspeedway racing is reminiscent of legends like Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon himself.
Gordon, who played a key role in Byron’s development at Hendrick Motorsports, has long been vocal about his potential. But with a second Daytona 500 win under his belt, Byron is no longer just a rising star—he’s a championship-caliber driver.
What’s Next for Byron?
With momentum on his side, Byron now sets his sights on the rest of the 2025 season, aiming to capture his first Cup Series championship. If he keeps up this level of performance, Jeff Gordon’s seven-word statement might just be an understatement.
