Countdown to Daytona 2026 - 4 Days

By Adam Carabine

Counting down the final 30 days to the 2026 Daytona 500, we are looking at last year's Top 30 drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series. Today's driver: William Byron

Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

No. 24 Car – Hendrick Motorsports

2025 Stats

Standings	4th
Wins	3
Points	5,004
Stage Points	317 (1st among all drivers)
Stage Wins	9
Laps Led	1,330 (1st among all drivers)
Lead Lap Finishes	30
Average Finish	14.5
DNFs	4
Races since last win	1

What Does Success Look Like in 2026?

Byron is another driver looking for his first career Cup Series championship, and has been on the cusp a few times.  Like Christopher Bell, the new format may play more into Byron’s favour, as he has been a very consistent driver.  While he has faltered under the ‘one-race-championship-race’ format, which can often be more luck-based than skill, The Chase might be just what he needs to capture it.  Expectations are high, and he likely needs to win it this year in order to count the season as a success.

Best-Case Scenario in 2026?

When it comes to these top-tier drivers on the top teams, the best-case they can hope for is winning the championship.  Byron is certainly capable of it, and will need a few things to go his way in order to secure his first one.

Most Likely Outcome in 2026?

I think multiple wins are likely for the 24 team, and while I’m not sold that he gets his first championship this year, it’s definitely not far off.  I do wonder if Byron sometimes gets lost in the shadow of his teammate Kyle Larson, at least from a team perspective at Hendrick Motorsports.  Larson is the golden boy, and maybe gets a bit more attention and care from the team.  I’m going to say the most likely outcome is a Top-3 finish in the standings.

Bold Prediction?

Byron wins the Daytona 500 for the third time in a row.