DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Bundled up against the unusually brisk Florida morning, members of William Byron’s team gathered on Victory Lane for the Champion’s Breakfast and closing ceremony celebrating the historic win at the Daytona 500.

Radiating warmth from their excitement as they savored the moment, pit crew and staff watched and cheered as Hendrick Motorsports team owner Rick Hendrick and NASCAR CEO Jim France congratulated the Chevy No. 24 driver on his back-to-back wins.

Running On Fumes

Acknowledging about a half an hour of sleep, William Byron still looked surprised by the outcome of the race as he talked with reporters Monday morning.

The Sunday night win, a combination of luck and skill, made the 27-year-old one of only five stock car drivers to win the coveted Harley J. Earl trophy two consecutive years in a row.

“It was pretty surreal the way the race played out there at the end. When I was in the race it was honestly, almost didn’t feel real,” said Byron.

“It took me a while to accept it when we got to Victory Lane, kinda realize we’d won the race. Looking back on the replays, honestly things lined up for us. We were in the right place and we made some good decisions down the stretch,” he said.

Commemorating the win with the engraving of his hand and footprints into the wet cement along with his signature, he completed a right of passage for race winners with a grin.

Fan Base

It was not the only signature Byron dolled out Monday morning. Young fan Neil Forsberg and dad Steven Forsberg from Montauk, New York, were treated to a private meet and greet with the 2025 champion, and stayed to watch the ceremony.

“This is great. I’ve been coming here for eleven years camping infield, and this was his first year,” said Steven Forsberg excitedly. “As soon as we got here, we won this (opportunity), we got some autographs, got to meet some drivers and then we won some money on the pool last night. He’s been the good luck charm this year.”

For Steven, enjoying the NASCAR experience with his son at a young age is creating a lifelong love of the sport.

“It’s great, especially the whole infield vibe. There’s a lot of kids there playing basketball hoops and scooters and all the kids running around half the time. He’s hooked. He was upset to pack up this morning, not ready to leave.”

Back On Schedule

Being able to complete the Daytona 500 on schedule this year meant the traditional post-race ceremonies could take place on Victory Lane, allowing William Byron to slow down and enjoy his own NASCAR experience.

“It’s nice to be able to celebrate with the team. Last year I was kind of off to I guess we were going to New York, so it’s a lot of crazy things happening in 24 hours, but this year it was really nice to be here with the team and just take in the whole race track as well,” shared Byron.

“Definitely special. You don’t get many opportunities to stay at the race track overnight like this. We went out on the front stretch and took a photo. That was cool, and then we ended up at Waffle House for a chocolate waffle,” he added with a chuckle.

Even with little sleep, it was clear he was soaking up the entire experience, including being part of an elite group of drivers.

“I think, just honored to be in that group. For us as a team we just worked really hard and we tried to put ourselves in this position. You never know how the races are going to play out. But to put the work in like my team did and be able to win back-to-back races is real special,” he said.

The Hardware

Not to be outdone by the fan appreciation, chocolate waffles, and immortality on the walk of fame, Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher presented Byron with a signature Rolex in addition to the Harley J. Earl trophy, the 2025 championship ring, and the Daytona 500 champion leather jacket, a tradition started by Bill France, Jr.

The Rolex bling drew good-natured teasing from Byron’s boss Rick Hendrick, who now counts himself in his own elite stratosphere as the team owner with the most Daytona 500 wins, coming in with 10.

All Hands On Deck for the Ultimate Fan Experience

The NASCAR team, led by Frank Kelleher at the Daytona International Speedway, were thrilled by the success of the week, and the fan enjoyment of the motorsports events and track activities.

“It has been an amazing week,” said Kelleher.

“Everything from kicking off Tuesday night with the Hauler Showcase, qualifying on Wednesday, the Duel with all of the drama of only four spots available and multiple drivers needing to get in, we saw a great truck race, Saturday was one of our largest crowds for a Saturday on the eve of the Daytona 500 dating back to 2014, and to see William pilot the famed 24 to Victory Lane last night, was something so unique.”

Fan engagement has continued to grow and there was even more excitement around the celebrity line up for this year’s Speedweeks.

“This was our 10th consecutive early sell-out of The Great American Race and so we were busy to begin with. Then to be notified that the President was coming, created it’s own sets of challenges that we needed to solve for. The team worked tirelessly with Secret Service and White House and getting the President here and out on pit road. He had an opportunity to enjoy a brief moment of the race early on, and he got in the air and back home and we were business as usual then. A long day for everyone involved but we truly have the best fans in all of sports. The place was packed, and we were pleased,” he said, crediting the staff.

“They are very passionate people. We’re selling out the Daytona 500 ten years in a row early I think is a testament to their passion and their care of the guest experience. They’re putting themselves in the shoes of our guests and looking to provide them with an experience that they would expect if they were out with family and friends for entertainment.”

Joining in, NASCAR CEO Jim France said he still gets excited about the races.

“One of my favorite parts is being able to be here for this event,” shared France. “It’s very exciting. I’m always thrilled not knowing how it’s going to end, surprising me.”

Welcoming President Trump and his family during the Daytona 500 on Sunday was an added bonus.

“That was special. It’s a very big honor for our sport, our drivers, our teams, and our fans to have the President of the United States come and enjoy one of our events,” he said.

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