Seems like Hendrick Motorsports fans are in for a treat! No, we’re not the ones saying it, but Reddit users themselves, such as William Byron, are set to see some massive changes in the upcoming season. But before we get to that…

The development in question is about a sponsor worth $3.5 billion (2022) who’s seemingly backed him through thick and thin. As per an update on December 16, Liberty University is set to scale back on its presence on the #24 come 2025,…

As per their official announcement, “William Byron and the Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will have Liberty University as primary sponsor for six races in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, starting with The Clash on Feb. 2 at 8 p.m. at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C.”

For context: Liberty has been with the HMS racer since 2014—his JR Motorsports days. And, when he moved to Rick Hendrick’s arsenal in 2018, Liberty tagged along, sponsoring 12 races each season. Byron pursued a B.S. in Strategic Communication through its Online Programs.

Other than Bowman Gray, they’ll be present at the race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Martinsville Speedway, the Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis, and the final two regular-season events in Richmond and Daytona. William Byron’s car will be adorned with the institution’s typical red, white, and blue colors. However, not a single playoff race is in the works to be sponsored by Liberty.

Interestingly, this comes exactly nine months after the evangelical Christian university was fined a staggering $14 million for violating the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). This Act demands information about public safety issues from the university community1 and others. The fine lodged is also the largest in history—the last highest figure was $4.5 million against Michigan State in 2019.

“Students, faculty, and staff deserve to know that they can be safe and secure in their school communities. We respond aggressively to complaints about campus safety and security,” an official had said as per the Liberty advancement reports. But that’s not all…

And with the most recent development, fans are definitely happy with them stepping out.

NASCAR community applauds reduced presence

Liberty University has supported William Byron for a long time. Since 2014, when he drove for JR Motorsports, then moved up to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2016, through winning the Xfinity title in 2017, Liberty has been around. But in 2025, Rick Hendrick’s ally is a dwindling presence.

Fans noted this, with a fair amount of animosity: “Don’t like Liberty U, but kind of surprised they’ve cut their sponsorship with Byron in half (pretty sure they sponsored 12 races last year). We’re likely going to be seeing more of the Axalta/RAPTOR & Valvoline schemes in 2025.” Another fan chimed in, noting Liberty’s absence from core NASCAR with a hint of glee. “Wow they are really cutting back. Not one single playoff race either. Interesting.”

Other people were rejoicing in this truncated alliance. One fan called for permanently banishing the sponsor from the racetracks: “Good riddance. I know they liked to sit in the corner and watch but they aren’t welcome.” 

The 2025 schedule also indicates that William Byron is having second thoughts. Rick Hendrick stood by Liberty during the s—ual sc—dal lawsuit in 2021, saying to the Associated Press, “Things like that, I mean, it’s not pleasant, but they’re dealing with it. They’re being very up front, very transparent,” but now even he has fallen silent. So another fan wrote, “I guess Byron is pulling in more outside sponsorship so he’s not needing the Liberty $$$ as much.”

Liberty has other lawsuits going for themselves. And, the back-to-back instances of mishandling of cases further irked fans. “Boo Liberty,” somebody wrote. Another fan shared the sentiments that Liberty has too many races despite the reduction, emphasizing the disgust the community holds towards the organization, writing, “6 too many.”

Evidently, Rick Hendrick is booked for a vast wave of criticism. A questionable sponsor by his side may impact Byron’s performance, but let us wait and find out.