The 2023 Watkins Glen race will be remembered for its thrilling battles, surprise winners, and dramatic incidents, but for William Byron and Hendrick Motorsports, it will likely stand out as a missed opportunity
Byron’s crash with Keselowski and the overall struggles of the HMS team made for a tough day at the office, leaving them with plenty of work to do heading into Bristol.
As the NASCAR Cup Series season progresses, all eyes will be on Bristol Motor Speedway, where the pressure will be at an all-time high.
For Byron, Larson, and the rest of Hendrick Motorsports, the road to the championship is far from over, but it’s about to get a lot more challenging.
Hendrick Motorsports’ dominance at Watkins Glen is no accident. It is the result of a carefully crafted strategy that combines teamwork, smart engineering, and powerful engines. William Byron’s insights reveal the depth of collaboration within the team, as well as the importance of continually refining their approach to road course racing.
Their ability to adapt and innovate has kept them at the forefront of the sport, and their continued success at Watkins Glen is a testament to their commitment to excellence.
With a solid foundation of teamwork and a focus on performance, Hendrick Motorsports is poised to maintain their dominance on this iconic track for years to come.
Also Read: William Byron (Racing): Bio, Wiki, Age, Career, Awards, Net Worth 2024 and More
Table of Contents
Why Hendrick Motorsports Dominates Watkins Glen?
Insights from William Byron
Watkins Glen International, one of the most iconic road courses in NASCAR, has seen a consistent pattern of dominance from Hendrick Motorsports over the past several years.1
William Byron, a key driver for the team, has shared valuable insights into why the team continues to perform exceptionally well at this track.
This article delves into Byron’s explanation, highlighting the strategic approach, teamwork, and superior engineering that fuel Hendrick Motorsports’ success at Watkins Glen.
The Legacy of Hendrick Motorsports at Watkins Glen
Hendrick Motorsports, led by team owner Rick Hendrick, has a rich history in NASCAR, with multiple wins across various tracks.
However, their remarkable performance at Watkins Glen, particularly over the last five years, has been a standout. From 2018 to 2023, the team has secured five consecutive victories, demonstrating their expertise in road course racing.
William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro for Hendrick Motorsports, has been a crucial part of this success. With seven seasons under his belt and 13 Cup wins, including a victory at last year’s Go Bowling at The Glen, Byron knows firsthand what it takes to win at this challenging track.
According to Byron, the secret to Hendrick Motorsports’ success is not just a single factor but a combination of elements, including the team’s collaborative efforts and their powerful Chevrolet engines.
Tough break at The Glen. On to Bristol. pic.twitter.com/Sc5jZ7YSwQ
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) September 15, 2024
Teamwork and Collaboration: The Foundation of Success
One of the key factors Byron emphasized was the importance of teamwork. Hendrick Motorsports is known for its strong team dynamic, which plays a pivotal role in their continued success at Watkins Glen.
The organization’s four drivers, crew chiefs, and engineers work closely to ensure that their cars are optimized for road courses.
“I think we’ve had pretty good road course stuff for like a little less than a decade, and I feel like it just builds on itself, even though there was a car change,” Byron explained.
He acknowledged that while the team initially faced challenges with the new car on road courses, they eventually figured out the right setup.
This evolution was a result of collective problem-solving by smart drivers and crew chiefs who continually refined the car’s performance to suit the track’s demands.
Byron’s statement underscores the value of collaboration within the team. Each member contributes to the overall success, from providing feedback on the car’s handling to making strategic decisions during the race. The team’s ability to adapt and evolve with each race has allowed them to stay ahead of the competition.
Rick Hendrick: The Role on Motorsports’ Chevrolet Engines
Another significant factor in Hendrick Motorsports’ dominance at Watkins Glen is the Chevrolet engines powering their cars.2
Byron praised the performance of the V8 engine under the hood of his No. 24 Camaro, describing it as a crucial element in their success on the high-speed road course.
“Watkins Glen is just a faster place, so there’s probably a little bit of everything involved. The engine is really important, so we always have great engines,” Byron noted.
He highlighted that the team’s ability to generate power on the straightaways while maintaining control in the braking zones has been a key to their winning formula.
The powerful Chevrolet engine, built in-house by Hendrick Motorsports, gives their cars a competitive edge on the demanding track. The combination of speed and handling, especially in critical areas like straightaways and braking zones, allows them to maintain a lead over other teams.
Overcoming Early Struggles with the Next-Gen Car
Despite their recent dominance at Watkins Glen, Hendrick Motorsports didn’t always have an easy time with the next-generation car. Byron admitted that the team struggled with the car’s performance on road courses initially.
The introduction of the Next-Gen car brought new challenges, but the team’s resilience and problem-solving capabilities enabled them to overcome these hurdles.
Byron elaborated on this, saying, “We actually did struggle with this car on the road courses initially, like quite a bit. And then once we figured out kind of what it needed, it seemed like we have smart drivers, smart crew chiefs, like we all [kind of] contribute, and we get a package that we like, and then we go from there.”
This statement reflects the importance of adaptability in motorsports. Even a dominant team like Hendrick Motorsports must constantly evolve and improve to stay ahead.
Their ability to analyze data, make necessary adjustments, and optimize the car’s setup has been instrumental in their continued success at Watkins Glen.
The Winning Streak: A Team Effort
The five consecutive wins at Watkins Glen began with Chase Elliott’s victory in 2018. Elliott, another talented driver for Hendrick Motorsports, followed up with another win in 2019.
The team’s momentum continued with Kyle Larson securing back-to-back victories in 2021 and 2022. Finally, William Byron added his name to the list with a win in 2023.
Each driver’s success at Watkins Glen is a testament to the collective strength of Hendrick Motorsports.
While individual skill and strategy are important, the team’s ability to work together and consistently deliver top-tier performance has been the driving force behind their winning streak.
Also Read: Rusty Wallace Racing Experience Bids Farewell After 25 Years of Adrenaline-Fueled Fun
Rick Hendrick: Motorsports Struggles in 2023
The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International brought a mix of excitement and heartbreak for many teams, but for William Byron and Hendrick Motorsports, it was a day they’d likely want to forget.3
Despite a strong season, Byron’s hopes of a victory were dashed after an unfortunate incident on lap 84 involving Brad Keselowski. Let’s break down the events that unfolded, how it impacted the standings, and what’s next for the team.
William Byron’s Race Cut Short by Lap 84 Incident
William Byron’s 2023 season has been filled with promising performances, but at Watkins Glen, things took a sharp turn. At lap 84, Byron found himself caught in a wreck with Brad Keselowski.
The incident began when Keselowski, while trying to defend his position, lost control after contact with Joey Logano. This unfortunate chain of events sent Byron into the wall, forcing him out of contention for the win.
The crash marked a devastating blow to Byron’s day, dropping him all the way to 34th in the final standings. With this finish, Byron now faces added pressure as the NASCAR playoffs loom closer.
Both Byron and teammate Kyle Larson find themselves hovering dangerously close to the cutoff line, placing them in a precarious position heading into the next race.
Rick Hendrick: Chris Buescher Triumphs as the Road Course Master
As Byron’s misfortune unfolded, Chris Buescher took advantage of a hard-fought race to claim the victory at Watkins Glen. Driving the No. 17 Ford, Buescher battled fiercely against New Zealand’s Shane van Gisbergen, who looked set to take the win after leading much of the race.
However, van Gisbergen made a minor but costly mistake on the final lap, allowing Buescher to capitalize and secure his victory.
This win was another testament to Buescher’s impressive road course skills, further boosting his reputation as a rising star in NASCAR. His victory at Watkins Glen also continues a recent trend of surprise winners emerging on road courses, adding intrigue to an already unpredictable season.
The race at Watkins Glen concluded with a surprising top five. Chris Buescher led the way, followed by Shane van Gisbergen, Carson Hocevar, Ross Chastain, and Zane Smith. These drivers showcased remarkable performances, taking advantage of the chaos and capitalizing on their opportunities throughout the race.
Unfortunately for Hendrick Motorsports, none of their drivers managed to finish in the top 10. Kyle Larson, who has been one of the team’s standout performers this season, finished in 12th place, leading the HMS contingent. Meanwhile, Alex Bowman ended the day in 18th, followed by Chase Elliott in 19th place. William Byron, as mentioned earlier, had the toughest outing, finishing in 34th.
The struggles at Watkins Glen now leave the team with significant ground to make up. With Larson and Byron hovering near the playoff cutoff line, the pressure is mounting as they prepare for the next and final race of the Round of 16.
View this post on Instagram
The Playoff Picture: Byron and Larson on the Bubble
- The NASCAR Cup Series playoff system always brings a heightened sense of urgency, and after Watkins Glen, both William Byron and Kyle Larson find themselves in a tense situation.
- As they head into the next race at Bristol Motor Speedway, they are both just above the playoff bubble, with Larson in 9th place (+26) and Byron in 10th (+25).
- The upcoming race at Bristol will be the last chance for drivers to secure their spot in the next round of the playoffs.
- With three drivers set to be eliminated after this event, the pressure is on for Byron and Larson to deliver strong performances to avoid falling out of contention.
- Bristol Motor Speedway is known for its high-speed, high-intensity racing, and the upcoming race promises to be no different.
- As the final event of the Round of 16, the stakes couldn’t be higher for drivers like William Byron and Kyle Larson.
- With the playoff cutoff looming, every lap, every pit stop, and every decision will be crucial.
- Hendrick Motorsports, one of the most successful teams in NASCAR history, will need to regroup and refocus if they want to advance multiple drivers into the next round of the playoffs.
- Both Byron and Larson have shown the ability to win races, but they’ll need to bring their best to Bristol if they hope to keep their championship hopes alive.
Also Read: Brad Keselowski’s RFK Racing Declines Third Open Car Amid Efforts to Secure Charter
