Last Tasting Championship Victory in 2001, Will Jeff Gordon’s Iconic #24 Claim Phoenix Crown Under William Byron’s Reign?

The countdown is on, and anticipation is soaring as fans eagerly await the crowning of the 2023 NASCAR Cup champion. Racing titans such as Dale Earnhardt Jr and Dale Jarrett have thrown their support behind Ryan Blaney, yet the tides of favor seem to sway towards Kyle Larson or Christopher Bell, both riding high on a wave of recent triumphs. In contrast, William Byron may seem to be at a disadvantage, particularly in the shadow of a tumultuous Martinsville showdown.

Yet, it would be a grave oversight to discount Byron’s notable achievement: he is the only contender among the final four to have secured a victory at Phoenix while piloting the challenging next-gen car—a testament to his skill and determination. Moreover, Byron has the distinction of steering the very number once associated with racing icon Jeff Gordon. Could it be that a stroke of Gordon’s famed fortune is poised to propel Byron to a spectacular victory?

Is William Byron poised to uphold the storied legacy of Car #24?

Jeff Gordon blazed onto the full-time Winston Cup Series scene in the iconic No. 24 car for Hendrick Motorsports, a number he adopted by a twist of fate due to licensing hurdles linked to the film “Days of Thunder.” The switch from the initially intended No. 46 became serendipitous as Gordon clinched his second Daytona 500 victory in 1999, followed by a string of wins in Atlanta, Fontana, Sears Point, and Watkins Glen.

In a pivotal move before Martinsville, Ray Evernham departed Hendrick to establish Evernham Motorsports, leaving Brian Whitesell, a skilled team engineer, to step in. Under Whitesell’s guidance, Gordon continued his winning streak at Martinsville and Lowe’s. That year, Gordon caught the eye of Chip Ganassi Racing and the Dallas Cowboys’ Jerry Jones, but loyalty prevailed, and Gordon inked a lifetime deal with Hendrick Motorsports in 2000, securing an equity stake in his No. 24 team.

Throughout the ’90s, the synergy between Gordon and Evernham elevated them to legendary status as the “Rainbow Warriors,” a moniker inspired by the No. 24’s vibrant livery and the pit crew’s equally striking uniforms. Evernham’s groundbreaking pit stop strategies significantly enhanced their speed and efficiency. Four series championships during Gordon’s time in the driver’s seat served as a testament to their combined brilliance.

Today, William Byron sits at the helm of the celebrated No. 24, steering it into the championship 4 for the first time since Gordon’s era. This resurgence sparks hope for a renaissance of the car’s championship legacy.

A noteworthy tidbit: William Byron has commanded the No. 24 since 2018, joining the ranks of Gordon and Elliott as Cup Series ‘Rookie of the Year’ title holders graced by this number. With this impressive lineage, the question on everyone’s mind is: Does Byron have what it takes to continue the legacy? The statistics are in, the stage is set, and all eyes are on Byron as he races towards destiny.

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What are William Byron’s odds of seizing victory at Phoenix and securing the championship title?

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Picturing the season’s standout driver failing to cap the year with a win is a stretch. Byron, helming the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy, boasts six triumphs this year, one of which painted the playoffs in his colors at the Texas Motor Speedway. Out of 35 races, he’s soared into the top 10 an impressive 20 times, with 14 of those being top-five finishes. His prowess at Phoenix was already proven with a win earlier in March.

With 11 starts at the one-mile track, Byron’s average finish hovers at 11.9, complemented by six top-10s. The odds seem to tilt favorably toward the Hendrick Motorsports vehicle crossing the finish line first. However, victory hinges on meticulous preparation, down to ensuring his helmet is properly equipped—a lesson learned from the Martinsville mishap. If his gear is in flawless concert with his talent, Byron’s chances aren’t just hopeful; they’re palpable.

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