Daytona 500: Hendrick Motorsports' William Byron Wins Top Prize

William Byron fortuitously missed the ferocious wrecks down the stretch at the Daytona 500 that knocked out contenders racing for the checkered flag and left him with a repeat victory in sight. Still, sitting ninth with one lap left in an overtime finish, the odds seemed against the driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet to escape the rest of the race unscathed, or even have enough time to pull off the comeback win. Thanks to one more crash, Byron used a clean ride on his final lap to escape the chaos and race to his second straight Daytona 500 victory. He dodged a string of late-race wreckage that knocked out a chunk of contenders and sent the Hendrick Motorsports driver into victory lane Sunday night at Daytona International Speedway.

Photo Webdesk

Updated on: 17 February 2025 2:24 pm

NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto Racing at Daytona International Speedway: William Byron

NASCAR Daytona 500: William Byron crosses the finish line | Photo: AP/Chris O'Meara

William Byron crosses the finish line to win the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.

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NASCAR Daytona 500: William Byron, on car, celebrates with his pit crew | Photo: AP/Chris O'Meara

William Byron, on car, celebrates with his pit crew after winning the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.

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NASCAR Daytona 500: William Byron does a burnout after winning | Photo: AP/Chris O'Meara

William Byron does a burnout after winning the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.

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NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto Racing at Daytona International Speedway: Ryan Blaney

NASCAR Daytona 500: Ryan Blaney (12) edges Chase Elliott (9) and Austin Cindric (2) to win the second stage | Photo: AP/Chris O'Meara

Ryan Blaney (12) edges Chase Elliott (9) and Austin Cindric (2) to win the second stage during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.

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NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto Racing at Daytona International Speedway:

NASCAR Daytona 500: Ty Gibbs crashes | Photo: AP/Chris O'Meara

Ty Gibbs crashes during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.

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NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto Racing at Daytona International Speedway: Denny Hamlin

NASCAR Daytona 500: Denny Hamlin (11) and Cody Ware (51) collide between Turns 3 and 4 | Photo: AP/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Denny Hamlin (11) and Cody Ware (51) collide between Turns 3 and 4 on the final lap during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.

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NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto Racing at Daytona International Speedway: Helio Castroneves

NASCAR Daytona 500: Helio Castroneves (91), Ross Chastain (1) and Martin Truex Jr. (56) get involved in a multi-car collision | Photo: AP/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Helio Castroneves (91), Ross Chastain (1) and Martin Truex Jr. (56) get involved in a multi-car collision between Turns 1 and 2 during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.

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NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto Racing at Daytona International Speedway: Joey Logano

NASCAR Daytona 500: William Byron (24) and Joey Logano (22) lead the field to restart race | Photo: AP/Terry Renna

After a delay of several hours, William Byron (24) and Joey Logano (22) lead the field to restart the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.

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