Byron and Larson to the NASCAR Final: Title Duel in Phoenix!

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 place in the NASCAR Cup Series Championship 4. In a competition full of adrenaline, Byron demonstrated his skill behind the wheel and his determination to reach the top. The Hendrick Motorsports driver, with a bold maneuver, overtook Ryan Blaney in the final stage of the race. Byron, with 43 laps remaining, took advantage of turn 1 to displace Blaney and take the lead, leading the rest of the race and defending his position on a restart with 11 laps to go. Byron, who started from the pole position, dominated the race leading 304 of the 500 laps, obtaining his third victory of the season aboard the No. 24 Chevrolet.

“I think William drove the race of his life,” commented Jeff Gordon, Hendrick’s vice president, and multiple champion at Martinsville.

Jeff Gordon

This victory marks Byron’s first in 11 races since August at Iowa Speedway, and his first in a playoff elimination race, solidifying his path to the championship. In a “win or go home” situation, Byron responded with an impeccable performance, achieving his 16th victory in the Cup and his third at Martinsville.

“Damn, I have a lot to say,” Byron expressed. “Things have a way of working out. God really tests your resilience many times. We have been tested. Simply incredible. We work very hard and give it our all on Sundays. Sometimes you get nothing in return. That’s how it’s been in the last few weeks and, honestly, throughout the year. But sometimes life is like that. You just have to remain resilient. We were. It just feels really good.”

William Byron

Blaney, also in an “all or nothing” situation, was one step away from victory, despite qualifying in 31st position and leading 177 laps. At the end of the race, Blaney sportingly congratulated Byron. Byron’s teammate at Hendrick Motorsports, Kyle Larson, secured the final championship-eligible spot by finishing fourth, surpassing Christopher Bell by seven points.

“What a performance by William,” Larson said. “Happy for Hendrick Motorsports. This victory is the best thing that could have happened for us to score more points than Christopher and then William win as well. Hopefully, one of us can win it.”

Kyle Larson

Bell, although he was out of the Championship 4, was satisfied with the result, recognizing the validity of the contenders. Byron and Larson will face Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe in the final round at Phoenix Raceway on November 2, where the championship will be decided among the four drivers.

William Byron led the final 43 laps to win at Martinsville Speedway, securing the third spot in the Championship 4. The final contender for the NASCAR Cup title will be Kyle Larson, who qualified on points and will join Byron, Denny Hamlin, and Ryan Briscoe. In addition to Bell and Blaney, Chase Elliott and Joey Logano were also eliminated from the playoffs. Hamlin and Briscoe suffered engine problems during the race. Hamlin, who started the third round with a victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, was forced to retire from the race on lap 334 due to engine problems. Briscoe finished in last place due to an engine failure on lap 295, but had already secured his place in the Championship 4 with his victory at Talladega Superspeedway.