In a thrilling finish at the Daytona 500, William Byron emerged as the winner, securing NASCAR’s Super Bowl victory. Team owner Rick Hendrick was ecstatic but unsure which of his drivers would be celebrating in victory lane. Ultimately, it was Byron who crossed the finish line ahead of his teammate, Alex Bowman, clinching the 66th edition of the Great American Race.
Byron’s triumph was a fairytale come true. The 26-year-old, who grew up playing video games, gave Hendrick his 9th Daytona 500 win, tying the record set by Petty Enterprises. This victory was even more special as it coincided with the 40th anniversary of Hendrick’s first NASCAR Cup Series start, which was exactly the same day due to a weather delay moving the race to Monday.
Rick Hendrick’s return to Victory Lane as a Daytona 500 winner after a decade was a moment of pure joy. He expressed his delight, saying, “It’s the best I’ve ever seen it, and it’s so good to see all the drivers celebrate with William.” Hendrick couldn’t help but marvel at the script-like perfection of the win, stating, “You couldn’t write the script any better. The 24 in 24. When we think about coming down here the first time, we didn’t think we should be here. We felt so out of place. And to win this on the 40th anniversary, to the day, tying the record now, it’s awesome.”
While it was a storybook ending for Byron, the same cannot be said for Alex Bowman. Bowman found himself on the losing end of Hendrick’s one-two finish. Although the disappointment would be less significant in any other race, this was the Daytona 500. Despite missing out on the opportunity, Bowman remained gracious in defeat. In an interview with FOX reporter Regan Smith, he said, “We had a shot at it, and that’s all you can ask for at these speedway races. Happy for William. Wish it was us. But still a great day for Hendrick Motorsports. I’m not salty at all. To be that close to a Daytona 500 win is a little heartbreaking, for sure. But it’s much worse to not have a shot at all at it, right?”
Bowman’s response was expected, considering his position as the lowest-ranked driver at Hendrick. With champions like Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott, as well as Byron’s impressive track record, Bowman understands his place within the team hierarchy. Despite the disappointment, he remained loyal to the team and acknowledged the significance of their achievements.
The Daytona 500 was a nail-biting race, and while William Byron emerged victorious, Alex Bowman was left ruing what could have been. Nonetheless, both drivers showcased their sportsmanship and celebrated the success of Hendrick Motorsports.
Byron’s Win Secures Playoff Spot; Bowman Desperate for Bounce Back Season
In a surprising turn of events, William Byron’s recent race win not only secured his spot in the playoffs but also added insult to injury for Alex Bowman. Bowman, who is desperately seeking a bounce back season after missing the playoffs last year, must now face the fact that his teammate has outperformed him.
Last season was a disappointment for Bowman, as he failed to secure a single race win despite missing three races due to a back injury. With only four top-5 finishes and a mere 89 laps led in 33 races, Bowman’s performance was lackluster at best. His average finishing position of 17.2 was the worst since he joined Hendrick as a full-time driver.
The 2023 season was a frustrating one for Bowman, as he finished in 20th place in the championship standings. This result was a reflection of missed opportunities and the team’s failure to execute. However, there is hope for improvement as the 48 team remains intact, with Crew Chief Blake Harris returning to lead the way.
It has been nearly two years since Bowman last tasted victory, with his last win occurring at Las Vegas on March 6, 2022. With a winless streak of 63 races, there is growing concern about Bowman’s performance. However, his contract with Hendrick runs through the 2026 season, ensuring his job security for the time being.
Despite his struggles, Bowman has the opportunity to build momentum early in the season. Looking ahead to the next 10 races, he has proven victorious at four of the tracks (Las Vegas, Richmond, Martinsville, Dover). While he may not have the same level of experience and accomplishments as his teammates, he has access to the same equipment and resources.
Although a Daytona 500 win would have undoubtedly boosted Bowman’s confidence heading into the next race at Atlanta, he must now use this setback as motivation. As a three-time Daytona 500 pole sitter and with six front-row starts, Bowman has shown his potential. With seven career Cup victories under his belt, it’s only a matter of time before his winless streak comes to an end.
While the disappointment of this runner-up result may linger, Bowman remains determined to overcome it. With the support of his team and the right mindset, he is poised to make a comeback and prove his worth on the track.
Chad Smith, an Indiana-based sports writer and photographer, covers NASCAR.
According to the Source heavy.com