William Byron Signs Contract Extension with HMS

Credit: Lisa Janine Cloud for Skirts and Scuffs

William Byron and Hendrick Motorsports announced on Tuesday that they have agreed to a contract extension through the 2022 NASCAR Cup season.

The news comes three days after the driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet earned his first career victory in the series. According to the organization, the 22-year-old signed the deal on August 8, 2020.

Byron has been with HMS since his rookie season in 2018. In that time he has earned one win, seven top-five finishes, and 26 top 10s in 98 starts.

Hard to believe it's already been four years since Mr. H took a chance on me. I appreciate all the opportunities he's given me! pic.twitter.com/NdrOe8g6Fh

— William Byron (@WilliamByron) September 1, 2020

Byron joins Chase Elliott in being signed through 2022, while Alex Bowman is signed through the end of next season. The lineup leaves only the No. 48 unoccupied as the team looks to replace seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson, who will retire from full-time competition at the end of this year.

Also an Xfinity Series Champion, Byron earned four wins on the way to winning the 2017 championship when driving for JR Motorsports.

Byron has been paired with Chad Knaus for the last two seasons in the Cup Series. He has qualified for the series playoffs with Knaus, who was Johnson’s crew chief throughout his seven championships.

Heading into next weekend, Byron sits ninth in the 16-driver playoff field. The series Playoffs begin this Sunday at Darlington Raceway. In four series starts at the track, his best finish is 12th.

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