William Byron continued his strong start to the NASCAR season by claiming the Busch Light Pole Award at Phoenix Raceway. The Hendrick Motorsports driver posted the fastest lap in Saturday’s qualifying session, securing the top starting spot for Sunday’s highly anticipated race. Byron’s performance reaffirms his status as one of the top contenders early in the season.
Clocking an impressive lap time, Byron edged out his competitors in a tightly contested qualifying session. His speed and precision around the one-mile oval showcased the strength of his No. 24 Chevrolet, as well as the continued dominance of Hendrick Motorsports in recent years. This marks another pole position for Byron, adding to his growing list of career achievements.
Speaking after qualifying, Byron credited his team for delivering a well-balanced car. “The guys did a great job preparing this car,” he said. “We’ve been working hard on our short-track package, and it feels great to see that effort pay off. Now we have to focus on translating this speed into a strong performance in the race.” His confidence reflects the momentum Hendrick Motorsports has built early in the season.
Byron’s pole win also comes as a statement to his competition, as Phoenix Raceway is a crucial venue on the NASCAR calendar. The track will host the championship race later this season, making this weekend’s event an important test for teams looking to gain valuable data for a potential title run. A strong showing in Phoenix could serve as a preview of championship-caliber performance.
Among the drivers who came close to challenging Byron was his teammate Kyle Larson, who posted a fast lap but fell just short of the pole position. Other contenders, including Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell, also put up competitive times but couldn’t match Byron’s speed. The qualifying results set the stage for an intense battle in Sunday’s race, with multiple top-tier drivers starting near the front.
Phoenix Raceway’s unique layout presents a tough challenge for drivers, requiring both speed and strategic tire management. Byron’s ability to secure the pole suggests he has the handling and pace needed to navigate the track’s demanding turns. However, with a competitive field behind him, he will need to execute flawlessly to convert his pole position into a race win.
Byron has already proven himself as a formidable competitor in recent seasons, with multiple wins and playoff appearances. Securing the Busch Light Pole Award further strengthens his reputation as a driver capable of leading the pack and contending for victories on various track types. A strong finish on Sunday could further solidify his position as an early-season championship favorite.
As the green flag drops on race day, all eyes will be on Byron to see if he can maintain his advantage and capture a victory at Phoenix Raceway. With fierce competition and strategic battles expected throughout the race, fans can anticipate an action-packed event as the NASCAR season continues to build excitement.