William Byron Wishes Hendrick Kept Him Out of the Jeff Gordon “Limelight” Like Joe Gibbs Has Done With Grandson Ty

Ever since his explosion into the Cup Series after dominating the Xfinity Series, clinching the 2017 title, William Byron has consistently been dishing out impressive performances. He currently stands at the top of the NASCAR Cup charts, sharing the most number of wins this season with none other than the “Rowdy” Kyle Busch. While the #24 driver lacks the experience needed to be at the top, he makes up for that with brute speed and a clear understanding of the sport. Recently the 25-year-old dropped down to Denny Hamlin‘s popular podcast, ‘Action Detrimental’ where he shared his wish to be away from the “limelight.”

He even mentioned Ty Gibbs’ of Joe Gibbs Racing, to make his point. Amid all this, Hamlin threw a curveball at him when he asked Byron about him dating Ryan Blaney’s sister.

William Byron Makes His Wish Loud and Clear on Action Detrimental

Following an action-packed Sunday at Nashville, veteran Denny Hamlin was back in his studio with his co-host Jared Allen discussing the race happenings. And joining the duo for this week is none other than Hendrick Motorsports sensation, William Byron.

While the fascinating conversation gave the community a deep insight into the racing world, the 25-year-old driver also expressed his thoughts about being on the team as Kasey Kahne’s replacement and his possible comparison with the great Jeff Gordon.

As Hamlin’s co-host, Allen asked, “Was there a challenge for you coming into the Cup Series replacing such an iconic driver who won a lot similar to what Josh [Berry, to SHR] is gonna be doing?”

Byron explained his tough spot on the team as a young driver. He said, “Yeah, I think so, I mean I think my situation was different, it was kind of rebranded like I had Kasey’s team and it was rebranded into Jeff or into the #24 but I still had Jeff’s insights like kind of help off the track.”

Further down the road, he also opened up about his wish to stay away from the spotlight and to develop himself as a solid contender, much like what Joe Gibbs has done to his grandson, Ty Gibbs, at JGR. 

Byron said, “So yeah, it was tough because you are like, man I just kind of wanna learn in and be out of the limelight like I think what they’re doing with Ty (Gibbs) is really good.”

Though the driver recalled his difficult days on the team, getting into the groove, and understanding the process at HMS, he also credits the long-term effects of being in one of the sport’s most winningest teams to have much greater effects on him. 

READ MORE: Denny Hamlin & William Byron Finally Settle Their 2022 Texas Beef After HMS Star Admits to Uncharacteristic Retaliation

During the conversation, Hamlin also asked Byron about him dating his fellow driver’s sister.

Curious Denny Hamlin Asks Byron About His Relationship With Ryan Blaney & His Sister

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Following a not-so-great 2022, 2023 has sort of been William Byron’s breakout year. While the Cup Series enters its second phase, Byron has already captured 3 wins so far. Now that may not be a huge deal for most fans out there, but Rick Hendrick‘s driver, in a short span, has evolved himself to be a force to be reckoned with on the track.

Hamlin asked, “You ever had any interesting scenarios with the girlfriend?” To which the 25-year-old replied, “No, I think Ryan and I are. We knew each other way back before I started dating her.” 

While Byron mentioned how he knew Blaney before he started dating his sister, Erin, he also mentioned the awkward situation the relationship presented to him.

He said, “So, it was a little awkward at first you know because I didn’t really ask him if I could date Erin so it felt bad about,” while Hamlin chimed in with a quick question, “Did you have to?”

Byron then added, “I don’t know if I should have, so… but he (Ryan Blaney) brought it up and I was like, yeah, we’re dating.” 

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