Are William Byron and Ricky Hendrick Related? The Tragic Story of Ricky Hendrick

William Byron has been undoubtedly one of the best drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series this season. The Hendrick Motorsports driver is having a stunning campaign with six wins already and a place booked in the final eight. While he has done that, a discovery from the past brings an uncanny connection to Rick Hendrick’s deceased son Ricky Hendrick.

William Byron and Ricky Hendrick’s resemblance leaves the fans creeped out

At a very young age, William Byron went on to impress and earned a lot of plaudits. Naturally, because of this, he earned a move to Hendrick Motorsports. In fact, he was chosen to be Kasey Kahne’s replacement in the Cup Series in 2018. Since then, he has grown leaps and bounds in his career and is now in a prime position to win his first championship.

Of course, Rick Hendrick’s support and faith have played a key role in his progress. Having said that, some have felt it has more to do with Byron’s resemblance to Hendrick’s late son, Ricky Hendrick. For those unaware, Ricky competed in both the Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series before the infamous airplane accident in 2004.

To attend a NASCAR event in Martinsville on October 24, 2004, Ricky along with seven members of Hendrick Motorsports was travelling through a Beechcraft Super King Air 200 aircraft. Unluckily, the plane crashed into the mountainous terrain in Virginia, resulting in the death of 10 people including Rick Hendrick’s son, Ricky. The Cup Series giants not only lost their future boss but also then president John Hendrick, his twin daughters, General Manager Jeff Turner, chief engine builder Randy Dorton, and staff members Kimberly and Jennifer Hendrick.

A promising future for Ricky Hendrick ended unexpectedly there, leaving behind plenty of sadness and mourning for the Hendrick family. However, the fans looked stunned when Byron came onto the scene. The fact that he and Ricky looked so similar was not only uncanny but creeped out plenty back then. A NASCAR fan shared the photos of Ricky and William on Reddit to show just how uncanny the resemblance was.

WATCH THIS STORY: Rick Hendrick’s Candid Insight into Hendrick Motorsports Operation

In addition to that, the #24 driven by Byron was earlier driven by Ricky. While there were some doubts concerning the duo’s connection with each other, it has nothing more than an incredible amount of resemblance. In fact, Rick Hendrick once mentioned how it spooked his daughter.

William Byron and Ricky Hendrick’s resemblance left Rick Hendrick’s daughter frightened in 2017

Trending

Tony Stewart’s Wife Leah Pruett Pens a Heartfelt Message for Husband After His Unwavering Support for His Family

“We Are Not Morning People”- Travel Woes Hit Home for Kyle Busch & Wife Samantha Leaving Son Brexton Grinning

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Offers a Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity to His Loyal Fanbase as He Gears Up for His Return With Budweiser

Rick Hendrick’s Alliance Rumored to Save Chevy Prodigy Who Crashed Kyle Busch’s Party

JRM Prodigy & Kelley Earnhardt’s Son Earn Major Backing as Dale Jr.’s Loyal Partners Announce 2025 Return

It was in 2017 that William Byron made a lot of noise in the Xfinity Series with his title-winning performance. One of his best races turned out to be at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It was at that very race that Rick Hendrick’s daughter Lynn Carlson first had a look at Byron.

While she was impressed with his personality, she couldn’t believe how he reminded her of his deceased brother, Ricky Hendrick. Speaking about it to NBCSports, Rick Hendrick said, “My daughter was watching Indy, and she texted me right after the race and said, ‘Dad, that’s spooky how much William looks like Ricky.”

He continued, “I’m kind of reliving some of Ricky’s early days with watching William now. He’s a special young man. Their mannerisms and everything. William’s super polite.” It is breathtaking how Byron looks so similar to Ricky. While it brings mixed emotions to the Hendrick family, surely the #24’s success would mean a great deal to them.

READ MORE – Emotional Rick Hendrick Gets Candid on Hendrick Motorsports Milestone Achievement: “Never Thinking We’d Get to 269”