Motorsport TechnologyHendrick Motorsports driver William Byron created history at the Homestead-Miami Speedway on Sunday night by becoming the youngest driver to win at the track.
At just 23 years of age, Byron made his decisive move midway through the race and led an impressive 102 laps to take his opening victory of the NASCAR Cup Series season and only the second of his fledgeling career.
Check in with your race winner, @WilliamByron. 🙌@AxaltaRacing | @HomesteadMiami pic.twitter.com/Du6EIvbT3c
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) March 1, 2021
Byron’s accomplishment also marks crew chief Rudy Fugle’s first Cup Series win and it took just three races for Fugle to earn that victory in the highest level of NASCAR.
“We just won at Homestead! Awesome race for us,” said an ecstatic Byron after the win. “The car was great, we made some good adjustments throughout the race. At the beginning of the race we fought through our starting position and just really proud of the guys and Rudy. His first win in the Cup Series. Just cool to have him as part of this team and excited for what’s ahead.”
Ready for more wins this year. 😎
Listen to @AxaltaRacing crew crew Rudy Fugle’s message to the team during their winning moment @HomesteadMiami tonight! pic.twitter.com/ksX01p9Q5B
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) March 1, 2021
Byron had started the race in 31st position but made steady progress through the field, moving to tenth after pitting for fresh tires, fuel and an air pressure adjustment after the first caution. Third by Lap 102, Byron pitted again under a yellow flag 30 laps later and powered his way to a first stage win of the season with just two laps remaining.
Confidence brimming, Byron now had the bit between his teeth, passing five rivals after the fifth and final yellow flag dropped for the final stage. He kept his nerve like a veteran, holding off Tyler Reddick by 2.8 seconds to earn his first win of the season and with it, a small slice of history. It also means he is among only eight drivers to score at least two wins before the age of 24.
“That guy has been huge for my career,” Byron added of Fugle after the race. “He’s the reason I’m here and I’m glad we could get him. He’s just awesome, and this whole team did a phenomenal job.”
Completing a highly successful race for Hendrick Motorsports, partnered by Acronis, was the fourth place finish of teammate Kyle Larson who started the race in 17th position.
Tonight’s victory marks win No. 3 @HomesteadMiami for Hendrick Motorsports! 🎉@AxaltaRacing | @WilliamByron pic.twitter.com/tGvJPpmjQ3
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) March 1, 2021
