William Byron wins second straight Daytona 500, fueling dynasty talk

Byron secures back-to-back Daytona 500 victories, drawing comparisons to Jeff Gordon’s legendary No. 24 era.

NASCAR Cup Series driver William Byron (24) during qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, on February 12, 2025. Photo by Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images

By Yuni Utomo and Randy Ahmad

William Byron cemented his place in NASCAR history on Sunday, securing his second consecutive Daytona 500 victory in dramatic fashion. The 27-year-old driver of the Hendrick Motorsports No. 24 car avoided a last-lap wreck to capture the checkered flag, becoming just the fifth driver to win back-to-back Great American Races. His latest triumph has reignited discussions about a potential new dynasty forming within the legendary No. 24 camp, once dominated by Jeff Gordon in the 1990s.

More than 25 years after Jeff Gordon earned his second Daytona 500 victory in 1999, the four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion sat inside the media center at Daytona International Speedway, reflecting on the moment. Gordon, who now serves as vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, watched as Byron, piloting the car he once drove to greatness, shattered his record as the youngest driver to win two Daytona 500s.

“I hope he breaks them all,” Gordon said when asked about Byron surpassing his mark. “I’m in full support of that.”

Gordon’s dominance in the late 1990s—alongside crew chief Ray Evernham—helped shape one of NASCAR’s greatest dynasties. Between 1995 and 1998, Gordon won 40 races, including the 1997 Daytona 500, and secured three Winston Cup titles. His second Daytona 500 win in 1999 came just before Evernham’s departure from the team later that season.

Now, with Byron and crew chief Rudy Fugle building momentum, comparisons to Gordon’s legendary run are growing louder.

Byron and Fugle emerge as NASCAR’s next dominant pairing

Byron’s success is not just about his driving skills—it’s also about the team behind him. Since pairing with Fugle in 2021, Byron has steadily developed into a championship contender. Their partnership traces back to the 2016 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season, when Byron, then a rookie, won seven races under Fugle’s leadership.

After moving up to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2018, Byron secured his first career win in August 2020 at Daytona, with legendary crew chief Chad Knaus calling the shots. The following year, Fugle rejoined Byron in the Cup Series, and their chemistry quickly translated to success. Byron won his second race at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2021, finishing a then-career-best 10th in the standings.

Since the introduction of the Next Gen car in 2022, the duo has emerged as one of the most consistent forces in the sport. They have amassed 12 victories, made two Championship 4 appearances, and have not finished outside the top six in the Cup Series standings. With Byron’s latest triumph at Daytona, he and Fugle are now leading the charge for Hendrick Motorsports.

A potential new dynasty in the making

When discussing NASCAR dynasties, only a few driver-crew chief pairings stand out. Gordon and Evernham dominated in the 1990s, while Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus reigned supreme from 2006 to 2010. Although Byron and Fugle have not yet reached those legendary heights, their recent success suggests they could be on the verge of something special.

The modern NASCAR landscape makes it difficult for any driver to build a lasting dynasty. The current championship format, which includes elimination rounds and a winner-take-all finale, is arguably the least predictable it has ever been. Unlike Gordon’s era—where season-long dominance was rewarded—today’s system means even the best teams must navigate a high-risk playoff environment.

Instead of defining dynasties solely by championship wins, a combination of race victories and consistent Championship 4 appearances may be a more accurate measure in the modern era. Byron and Fugle’s results over the past three seasons—culminating in two straight Daytona 500 victories—position them as a team capable of sustained excellence.

Hendrick Motorsports’ legacy continues

Hendrick Motorsports has long been home to NASCAR’s greatest talent, and Byron’s rise ensures the No. 24 car remains a symbol of excellence. From Gordon’s four championships to Johnson’s record-tying seven, the organization has a history of developing generational talents. Now, Byron and Fugle have a chance to add their own chapter to the team’s storied history.

Gordon, who now plays a key role in the team’s operations, sees the potential in Byron and his crew chief.

“We talk about it all the time—how quickly he’s risen through the ranks, won races, and competed at an elite level,” Gordon said. “Rudy’s a great crew chief, and when you combine a great talent like William with the right team and resources, magical things happen.”

What’s next for Byron and the No. 24 team?

With another Daytona 500 victory under his belt, Byron’s next goal is securing his first NASCAR Cup Series championship. He has already proven he can win on a variety of tracks, from superspeedways to intermediate ovals. If he and Fugle continue their upward trajectory, a title seems inevitable.

Byron’s consistency in making the Championship 4 suggests that he is already knocking on the door of greatness. If he secures a championship in the near future, discussions of him leading the next great dynasty in NASCAR will only intensify.

For now, Byron’s back-to-back Daytona 500 victories place him among the sport’s elite. And if history is any indication, the No. 24 car might just be on its way to another era of dominance.