William Byron showed no signs of slowing down after a runner-up at Talladega. (Photo: Teresa Bennink | The Podium Finish)
LINCOLN, Ala. — If anyone thought William Byron intended to coast his way through the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs’ Round of 12, think again.
Following a timely victory at Texas Motor Speedway, Byron made it clear that he was not slowing down heading into the YellaWood 500 weekend at Talladega Superspeedway.
Qualifying eighth for Sunday’s 188-lap race, Byron was ruthless in his No. 24 Axalta Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 fielded by Hendrick Motorsports.
Throughout the 31st race of the season, Byron was scrappy and tenacious, racing confidently toward the front of the pack. By far, the Charlotte, North Carolina native eased himself in the train like an expert conductor.
Placing second in Stages 1 and 2, Byron remained in contention in the closing stages of the race. At times, it looked like he was waiting to time his potential, race winning move when the moment arrived.
However, the Hendrick quartet went from a united front to an individual effort as Byron opted for the outside lane to take advantage of the energy with the outside lane. Despite his pre-race week thoughts that he “hasn’t personally felt that good at superspeedways,” one could be fooled by his evaluation.
No doubt, William Byron was the top Chevrolet racer at Talladega. (Photo: Riley Thompson | The Podium Finish)
In the closing stages, Byron latched onto the No. 4 of Kevin Harvick and No. 12 of Ryan Blaney, hoping to parlay some of the powerful draft to make a move of his own. Alas, it was not in the cards for the Cup Series’ leading winner this season, initially crossing the line in third.
Following post-race inspection, Byron was promoted to a runner-up result as Kevin Harvick was disqualified due to for violating NASCAR Rule Book number 14.5.6.2.F which stipulates that “Windshield fasters must remain secure for the entire Event.”
Byron, who already locked a Round of 8 spot, looked like a man who wanted to score his seventh win of the season. Nevertheless, he fought hard to eek out a podium finish.
“Yeah, it was really intense there at the end,” Byron said. “I just couldn’t quite get pushes as square as those guys, and I felt like where they could get connected and just create runs, they just got us there.
“On the backstretch, the No. 4 actually got in front of me and that allowed I think the No. 12 to get in front of me and the No. 4 actually went back in the middle.”
Although Byron was not dealt the winning hand at the fast paced poker table known as Talladega, he walked away with plentiful chips in his hands and a smile to boot. With the luxury of being on the aggressive for at least one more week, it is a great time as any with a homecoming race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL.
“Our Axalta Chevrolet was really good all day,” he said. “Just needed a little bit more to get those runs generated to keep the bottom going like it was. Good effort and proud of the team and we will go onto the Charlotte ROVAL.”
