Blessed With Favorable Odds, Not Kyle Larson but William Byron Can Claim HMS’ 15th Championship Title – Here’s Why

In the high-stakes arena of the Phoenix finale, the spotlight currently shines on four drivers—Kyle Larson, William Byron, Ryan Blaney, and Christopher Bell. However, an unexpected foe emerges as the potential luckiest person: Erin Blaney, Ryan Blaney’s sister. Surprisingly, she boasts the highest percentage of success among those she holds dear in the quest for the Cup. Erin surpasses the odds, outshining even the formidable quartet of drivers in her likelihood of gracing the victory stage.

Following closely in the realm of luck is William Byron. But don’t worry, this foretelling isn’t a whimsical notion; it’s grounded in stats and facts. The familial connection between Byron and Ryan Blaney, self-asserted as brothers-in-law, implies a level of mutual respect even in the heat of competition. Adding to William Byron’s favorable position is Kyle Larson’s post-2021 championship win slump, leaving him without a victory since. Consequently, Byron might find himself primarily contending with Christopher Bell, setting the stage for an intriguing battle in the quest for Phoenix’s glory.

Why William Byron may steal the show in Phoenix

Last week, William Byron and his team had fans on the edge of their seats, battling setup issues and fighting tooth and nail to secure the final Championship 4 spot, narrowly edging out Denny Hamlin and avoiding elimination. Despite the dramatic twists, they showcased the resilience that has defined their 2023 season, leaving NASCAR enthusiasts convinced that this championship is theirs to lose.

With the powerhouse duo of Byron and crew chief Rudy Fugle, supported by one of NASCAR’s top pit crews, they’ve consistently risen to the occasion throughout the year. The Hendrick Motorsports driver has dominated with an outstanding six wins, marking one of the best seasons any driver has had. Despite the less-than-ideal Martinsville finish, William Byron enters Phoenix with a victory under his belt from the spring race, a notable achievement considering he’s the only top-4 driver to have won in the next-gen car at Phoenix.

Acknowledging the challenges at Martinsville, where heat and helmet issues impacted his performance, Byron’s tenacity remains unwavering. Contrasting with Kyle Larson’s lack of win at Phoenix since the introduction of the next-gen car, Byron’s consistent performance makes him a strong contender.

Notably, Byron’s pit crew has also been the unsung hero, boasting the fastest average four-tire pit stop time in the series at 10.940 seconds. Byron recently lauded their excellence, stating, “They’re the best, in my opinion. They’ve done a great job this year. They work really well under pressure. They’re ready for this moment.”

The six wins for the No. 24 team tie for the sixth-highest single-season total and mark the most wins for the iconic car number since 2007. Byron’s remarkable 6.33 average finish in the postseason underscores the consistency he’s displayed throughout the season. Despite flying somewhat under the radar, team owner Rick Hendrick believes William Byron is a dark horse in the postseason.

While the story likely concludes with a championship win for Byron, the question lingers: if not Byron, who stands a chance to triumph at Phoenix?

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Who else holds the cards at the Phoenix Finale?

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In a mere six years, William Byron’s trajectory from debuting in Legends Cars through iRacing, an online simulator, to being a full-time contender in the NASCAR Cup Series for one of the most illustrious teams is nothing short of remarkable. His journey to NASCAR’s pinnacle involved championships in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2017, NASCAR K&N Pro Series East in 2015, and Legends Cars in 2012, along with triumphs in Late Models and the NASCAR Truck Series.

At just 25 years old, Byron stands as the youngest among the championship-eligible drivers. Should he emerge triumphant in lifting the Bill France Cup after Sunday’s event, he would etch his name as the third-youngest champion in the history of the Cup Series.

In the eventuality of unforeseen setbacks, be it a car failure, tire issue, or wreck, our spotlight shifts to Kevin Harvick, who boasts an impressive track record at Phoenix. With an average of 8.6 in 41 starts, including 9 wins, 20 top-5s, and 30 top-10s, Harvick emerges as a formidable contender. Moreover, clinching victory at Phoenix might serve as the ideal and poignant farewell for Kevin Harvick.

Delving into the playoff drivers, the rankings unfold with Kyle Larson, averaging 11.7 in 18 starts, featuring one win, seven top-5s, and eleven top-10s; Ryan Blaney, with an 11.9 average in 11 starts, securing one top-5, six top-5s, and ten top-10s; and Christopher Bell, entering Phoenix with a 14.4 average in seven races, marked by four top-10s.

Beyond the contenders for the Cup championship, the season finale promises narratives throughout the field. Kevin Harvick’s farewell race, marking his 826th start before retirement, holds a special place in NASCAR history, ranking eighth all-time.

Other noteworthy stories include Corey LaJoie aiming to join the exclusive club of drivers finishing every Cup Series race in a single season. Ty Gibbs is set to be crowned the 2023 Sunoco Rookie of the Year, while Aric Almirola takes his final bow as a full-time Cup driver, leaving his future plans open-ended. Legacy Motor Club will take its last spin with Chevy before embarking on a new journey with Toyota. Simultaneously, Live Fast Motorsports will bid adieu to its role as a full-time Cup Series team, infusing the Phoenix finale with a touch of nostalgic farewell.

However, all eyes will notably be on Harvick’s last hurrah, honoring a career that transformed him from the successor to Dale Earnhardt to one of the greatest drivers of his generation, boasting an impressive track record of nine wins at Phoenix.

Read More: William Byron Lets Slip His Girlfriend Erin Blaney’s Diplomacy As Phoenix Pits ‘Brother-in-Law’ Ryan Blaney Against HMS Ace