William Byron secured the pole position for the NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway, but even he admitted his qualifying run was far from perfect. Despite feeling like he left time on the table, Byron managed to edge out the competition in the final moments, securing the top spot on the grid.
Byron, driving the No. 24 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, turned in a blistering lap during the final round of qualifying. However, after stepping out of his car, he was quick to critique his own performance.
“I did not hit my marks,” Byron admitted. “I felt like I could have done a little better, especially in Turns 3 and 4. But our car has speed, and that’s what matters. It’s great to be starting up front.”
A Tight Battle for the Pole
The battle for the pole was intense, with multiple drivers looking like potential contenders. Throughout the session, the speeds were close, and it seemed like another driver might claim the top spot. However, Byron found just enough pace in his final lap to snatch the pole away at the last moment.
His Hendrick Motorsports teammate, Kyle Larson, was also among the frontrunners but ultimately fell just short. The strong qualifying performance from both Byron and Larson highlights Hendrick’s continued strength on short tracks like Phoenix.
Building Momentum for Race Day
Byron’s pole position gives him a crucial advantage heading into Sunday’s race, where track position and clean air are key factors at Phoenix. He’ll be looking to capitalize on his starting spot and convert it into his first victory of the season.
After a strong start to the 2024 campaign, Byron is already considered one of the favorites in the championship hunt. A win at Phoenix would solidify his position as one of the top contenders early in the season.
Fans can expect a competitive race as Byron looks to defend his pole and hold off the field in what promises to be an exciting battle in the desert.
