BRISTOL, Tenn. — Hendrick’s stock might go even higher after the news that starting next season, William Byron will be racing under the Hendrick umbrella.
Hendrick Motorsports announced today that they signed the current driver of the No. 9 Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota to a multi-year agreement. The agreement has him racing for JR Motorsports in a full-time XFINITY Series ride starting in 2017.
“William is a special person and a special talent,” said team owner Rick Hendrick. “It’s been impressive to watch him come up through the ranks and have success at every level. What he’s already accomplished this season has been remarkable. On top of all his ability, he’s a terrific young man from a great family, and we think he has a very bright future with our organization.”
Byron says that it was always “a dream of mine to drive for Hendrick Motorsports. I have so much respect for the way Mr. Hendrick supports his people and encourages everyone to work together. This is the biggest announcement and biggest opportunity of my life, and I will do everything I can to make the most of it. I’m proud to be part of this team.”
Byron is no stranger to the Hendrick umbrella as he drove for JRM’s late model program in 2014 and 2015. In 2014, he scored a victory and 11 top-10 finishes on his way to finishing second in points to teammate Josh Berry.
“I owe so much to Dale Jr. and everyone at JRM for taking a chance on me in 2014,” Byron said. “Looking back, I know none of this would’ve happened without that opportunity.”
He continued on with HScott Motorsports in K&N East Series competition where he won the championship.
Last October, he was signed by Kyle Busch to drive full-time in the Camping World Truck Series for 2016. In 13 races, he’s set a NASCAR record for most wins by a rookie in the Truck Series with five wins, seven top-fives, eight top-10’s, 414 laps led and currently leads the points.
