William Byron secured his second straight victory at the Daytona 500, navigating through a series of late-race wrecks to claim the win. Despite starting the final lap in ninth place during an overtime finish, Byron managed to avoid the chaos and emerge victorious.
Byron's strategic positioning near the outside wall proved crucial as he skillfully maneuvered through the wreckage to become the first back-to-back winner since Denny Hamlin in 2019-20. The race saw multiple crashes in the closing stages, but Byron's clean ride on the final lap propelled him to the checkered flag.
His triumph marked Hendrick Motorsports' 10th Daytona 500 victory, breaking a record previously held by Petty Enterprises. At just 27 years old, Byron became the youngest driver to win multiple Daytona 500s, surpassing the record set by Jeff Gordon.
Following the win, Byron expressed his gratitude for the team's efforts and emphasized his determination to continue pursuing victories throughout the season. The race was not without its share of dramatic moments, with several top contenders, including Austin Cindric and Chase Briscoe, being caught up in late-race incidents.
Notable drivers such as Bubba Wallace, Kyle Larson, and Brad Keselowski also faced disappointment as their chances at victory were dashed by the chaotic final laps. The Daytona 500 lived up to its reputation for thrilling finishes and unexpected twists, culminating in Byron's impressive back-to-back triumph.
Looking ahead, the NASCAR series will move to Atlanta Motor Speedway, where defending race winner Daniel Suarez will aim to continue his success on the track.
Sources: AP auto racing
