Born on November 29, 1997, in Charlotte, North Carolina, William McComas Byron Jr. has swiftly ascended the ranks of professional stock car racing. At 27 years old, Byron has already made significant strides in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the iconic No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Hendrick Motorsports.
Early Life and Introduction to Racing
Byron’s passion for racing ignited at the tender age of six after watching a stock car race on television. This newfound interest led him to attend a race at Martinsville Speedway in 2006, solidifying his desire to pursue a career in motorsports. Unlike many of his peers, Byron’s initial foray into racing began in the virtual realm. He honed his skills on the iRacing simulator, amassing over 100 wins and 298 top-five finishes in online competitions before transitioning to real-world racing.
Professional Racing Career
Byron’s meteoric rise in NASCAR is marked by a series of impressive achievements:
- 2015: Captured the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Championship.
- 2016: Earned the Sunoco Rookie of the Year award in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
- 2017: Clinched the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship and was honored as the Sunoco Rookie of the Year.
- 2018: Debuted in the NASCAR Cup Series, securing the Rookie of the Year title.
- 2023: Achieved six race victories, finishing third in the driver standings.
- 2024: Kicked off the season with a triumph at the Daytona 500, securing his spot in the playoffs.
- 2025: Defended his title by winning his second consecutive Daytona 500. abc27.com
Contract and Earnings
Byron’s association with Hendrick Motorsports has been both fruitful and enduring. In 2023, he inked a three-year contract extension, ensuring his tenure with the team through the 2025 season. While specific financial details of his current contract remain undisclosed, his last reported annual salary was approximately $1.85 million.
sportskeeda.com This figure, combined with performance bonuses and endorsements, contributes to his estimated net worth of around $2 million as of 2025.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
Byron’s on-track success has attracted a plethora of sponsorships. Notable partners include Liberty University, Axalta, Valvoline, Chevrolet, Logitech, and iRacing. These collaborations not only bolster his financial standing but also enhance his brand presence within the motorsports community.
Personal Investments and Ventures
Beyond the racetrack, Byron has ventured into the world of eSports. In 2019, he founded the William Byron eSports team, aiming to mentor emerging talents in simulation racing. This initiative bore fruit when his team clinched the 2021 eNASCAR Coca-Cola Series Championship with driver Nick Ottinger.
Real Estate and Personal Life
Residing in his hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina, Byron owns a luxurious five-bedroom mansion, offering a serene retreat amidst his bustling racing schedule. While details about his personal car collection remain private, his professional association with Chevrolet underscores his affinity for high-performance vehicles.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement
A man of faith and commitment to community service, Byron has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and has been honored with the Good Scout Award. Demonstrating his dedication to giving back, he has raised over $500,000 for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Carolinas through his annual golf tournaments.