Byron Reflects on Championship Disappointment After High-Stakes Phoenix Race
William Byron addressed the media following a dramatic finale at Phoenix Raceway, where his last-lap incident significantly impacted the championship outcome. Sitting next to fellow title contender Denny Hamlin, Byron acknowledged the bittersweet nature of his performance after bringing out a caution flag with four laps remaining due to a blown right-front tire.
“I just didn’t want to be that guy, even if I’m in the Championship 4,” Byron lamented, emphasizing the unfairness of the situation that cost Hamlin the title. Byron praised Hamlin during their post-race interaction, stating, “You deserved it.”
The race was characterized by a strong performance from both drivers, who dominated the day. They started in the top two positions, led a combined 260 of 319 laps, and swept the stages. However, the turning point occurred when Byron hit the Turn 4 wall while battling for position, leading to a caution that allowed Ryan Blaney to seize the victory.
Byron explained the mechanics of his tire failure, noting, “I felt something a little funny on that lap,” before the incident unfolded as he entered Turn 3. The misfortune relegated Byron to a 33rd-place finish in the race and fourth in the championship standings.
Throughout the season, Byron made a significant impact, finishing as the regular-season champion and winning the Daytona 500. He led the series with 11 stage wins, 326 stage points, and 1,330 laps led. Despite the disappointment, Byron maintained, “I felt like we were deserving to run where we were,” indicating a strong performance throughout the season and reinforcing his status as a formidable competitor.
