Byron and Larson to the NASCAR final: the contenders are defined!

William Byron Wins at Martinsville and Secures a Spot in the Championship 4

In an exciting race at Martinsville Speedway, William Byron achieved a crucial victory that secured him a spot in the Championship 4 of the NASCAR Cup Series. Byron, driving his Chevrolet No. 24, made a bold move with 43 laps to go, overtaking Ryan Blaney and taking the lead. The Hendrick Motorsports driver dominated the rest of the race, defending his position on a restart with 11 laps remaining. Byron led 304 of the 500 laps, earning his third win of the season and the 16th of his Cup career.

“Damn, I have a lot to say. Things have a way of working out. God really tests your endurance many times. We have been tested. Just incredible. We work so hard and you put it all in the Sundays. Sometimes you get nothing in return. That’s how the last few weeks have been and, honestly, throughout the whole year. But sometimes life is like that. You just have to keep being resilient. We were. It just feels really good”.

William Byron

Byron’s victory also meant the elimination of Ryan Blaney, who needed to win to advance to the final round. Kyle Larson, Byron’s teammate at Hendrick Motorsports, secured the final spot in the Championship 4 by finishing fourth, surpassing Christopher Bell.

Byron and Larson will face Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe in the final round at Phoenix Raceway on November 2. Both Hamlin and Briscoe suffered engine problems during the race. Hamlin, who already had a secured place in the final, had to retire due to an engine failure. Briscoe also had engine problems, but had already secured his place in the Championship 4 with a previous victory.