William Byron has established himself as one of NASCAR’s premier drivers, and with two Daytona 500 victories to his name, his place in the sport’s history is already secure. The 27-year-old Hendrick Motorsports driver kicked off 2025 with another strong start, and as he balances his championship aspirations, he’s also enjoying another high-stakes competition: March Madness.
March Madness and Racing Mentality
When he’s not behind the wheel of the No. 24 Chevrolet, Byron is an avid sports fan. Like millions of others, he’s been following the NCAA basketball tournament closely this March.
“I love watching March Madness,” Byron said. “There’s something about the energy, the unpredictability, and the way these teams battle it out that reminds me a lot of racing. You never know what’s going to happen, and that’s what makes it so exciting.”
Byron has a personal connection to the tournament, as he grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, a hotbed for college basketball. He’s always kept an eye on the University of North Carolina and Duke, two powerhouse programs that often make deep tournament runs.
Winning the Great American Race – Twice
Byron’s place in NASCAR lore was cemented when he won the Daytona 500 for the second time in 2025. His first victory in the sport’s most prestigious race came in 2024, and going back-to-back is a feat that few drivers have achieved.
“Winning one Daytona 500 was incredible, but winning two? It’s surreal,” Byron said. “It’s such a tough race to win, and you need everything to go right – the car, the strategy, the drafting partners. To do it twice in a row is just a testament to the team and all the work we put in.”
With his latest victory, Byron joins an elite list of multi-time Daytona 500 winners, further solidifying his legacy in the sport.
A Strong Start to 2025
After his Daytona triumph, Byron’s season has been marked by consistency and competitive performances. As of late March, he remains a top contender in the NASCAR Cup Series standings, with multiple top-five finishes and another win under his belt.
“The goal is always to be in contention for a championship,” Byron said. “We’ve had a strong start, but it’s a long season. We have to keep improving and staying aggressive if we want to be in the mix come November.”
With momentum on his side, Byron is focused on maintaining his performance and securing a shot at his first Cup Series championship.
Looking Ahead
As the NASCAR season rolls on and March Madness reaches its climax, Byron is fully locked in on both competitions. Whether he’s watching buzzer-beaters unfold on the court or making bold moves on the track, his competitive spirit remains the same.
“We just have to keep pushing,” Byron said. “That’s what March Madness is all about, and that’s what it takes to win in NASCAR, too.”
With two Daytona 500 victories in the rearview mirror and a championship chase ahead, William Byron’s 2025 season is shaping up to be one for the history books.
