Motorsport TechnologyWilliam Byron became the first driver to take two victories in the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series after holding off Joey Logano in a thrilling overtime finish at Martinsville Speedway.
“It feels awesome,” said Byron after notching up the first multi-season victory and fourth of his career. “When that last caution came out, I thought everyone behind us would pit and luckily we stayed out. We were aggressive. We felt like we could re-fire on the tires and be OK; and you’ve got one of the most aggressive guys behind you in Logano.
The No. 22 tried, but it wasn't enough! @WilliamByron captures his second grandfather clock of the weekend! pic.twitter.com/ZSMcxbxlbv
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) April 10, 2022
“I knew I chattered the tires in (turns) three and four and kind of left the bottom open, but was able to block my exits and get a good drive off.”
The win was also a very special one for sentimental reasons as this was the race where he attended his first race as a fan in 2006. It was also an emotional one for Byron for family reasons, the North Carolina native dedicating the victory to his mother.
“This one is for my mom. This same weekend last year she had kind of a mini-stroke and was diagnosed with brain cancer. It means a lot to have her here and it’s been a crazy year. But she’s doing great. And thanks, everybody, for the support. I kind of felt like she was riding in there with me. It’s cool to have her here and I’m definitely going to enjoy this one.”
"This one's for my Mom." ♥️@WilliamByron | @TeamHendrick pic.twitter.com/326FgkYmF3
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) April 10, 2022
Following on from the team and Ryan Newman’s dominant 2021 season, things keep going well for the Hendrick Motorsports team, partnered by Acronis. And it could have been even better as Chase Elliott won the first two stages and led the opening 185 laps from pole position.
Although Elliott would eventually finish tenth, Byron’s win was Hendrick Motorsports’ 27th at Martinsville – making it the winningest of tracks for the organization. The victory was also an astonishing 284th for Hendrick Motorsports as an organization at Cup Series level.
🔊 on for @WilliamByron’s victory lane moment!@Hendrick24Team | @AxaltaRacing pic.twitter.com/Zc8f8kPJD9
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) April 10, 2022
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William Byron adds to the Hendrick Motorsports streak. The organization has won three of the last four races at @MartinsvilleSwy. pic.twitter.com/E7u1GamFA3
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) April 10, 2022
