AVONDALE, Ariz– Sunday’s Cup Series United Rentals Work United 500 at Phoenix Raceway ended in NASCAR Overtime and like déjá vu, William Byron was able to capitalize on a second trip to Victory Lane on a late race pit strategy.
Byron started the day strong, winning Stage 1 after passing teammate and polesitter Kyle Larson. Larson was able to find his way back to the front of the pack to win Stage 2 and led a race-high 201 laps of 317.
Kevin Harvick was able to overtake Larson towards the long run but ultimately lost the opportunity to win for a 10th time at Phoenix Raceway after a caution was triggered by Harrison Burton that brought the leaders down pit road.
While many at the front opted to change right-side tires for the advantage in the race out of pit road, Harvick’s crew chief Rodney Childers elected to change out all four. Harvick said after the race, “It’s what I would have done.”
Despite his efforts to match Kyle Busch’s all-time Cup Series win record of 61, Harvick ended the day with a 5th place finish and record of 20 consecutive top-10 finishes at Phoenix.
Byron credited his crew chief Rudy Fugle with the pit strategy that got him out front to win. “Owe the last couple of weeks to him” said Byron. “He’s done a really good job strategy-wise, and execution-wise we’ve done a good job to put ourselves in those positions on the front row with a shot in the end.”