During NASCAR Cup Series practice at the Chicago street circuit, William Byron appeared set for a strong session as he posted the fastest time in the first practice group, nearly four tenths faster than Shane van Gisbergen. However, after completing eight laps, Byron’s run took a sharp turn when he lost control entering Turn 10, resulting in a crash that damaged his car’s left-rear toe-link and side panel.
The incident forced Byron’s No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet back to the garage for repairs, and as a consequence, he will have to start from the rear of the field for the race. Byron will join Denny Hamlin, who also faces setbacks due to an engine failure early in the session and will line up alongside him at the back.
Byron’s Own Admission and Reaction to the Crash
<pReacting to the crash, Byron expressed clear frustration, calling himself “an idiot” during an interview with TNT Sports. He spoke openly about the circumstances leading to the mistake:
“I just took a lot through there and (had) a lot of speed. I was just getting my tires cleaned back off from leaving pit road.”
Byron explained he was still warming his tires after a pit stop, and as he began to push closer to the alternate start/finish line, he lost traction, stating:
“I had just pitted, so my tires were probably just coming up to temp again. I took it easy the first half of the lap and I was starting to push, being close to the alternate start/finish (line) and just lost traction.”
Despite the setback, Byron remains confident in his ability to work his way through the field but admitted his disappointment:
“Just sucks starting from the back … just don’t like crashing.”
Challenges for Hendrick Motorsports and Other Teammates
Byron’s Hendrick Motorsports teammates also faced difficulties at Chicago. Chase Elliott experienced a heavy impact with the wall at Turn 4, while Alex Bowman required a toe-link replacement following his own contact with the barriers. Due to these incidents, none of the Hendrick drivers, including Kyle Larson, will participate in qualifying, meaning all four will start from the rear of the grid.
This collective series of events complicates the team’s prospects for the race, as they must overcome obstacles caused by multiple crashes and mechanical repairs to secure strong finishes.
Implications for the Chicago Race and Byron’s Comeback Prospects
William Byron’s crash highlights the fine margins on a demanding street course like Chicago, where tire temperature and precision play crucial roles. Starting at the back places a significant challenge ahead, but Byron’s previous pace indicates he has the speed to recover positions. The incident could affect his standing in the NASCAR Cup Series standings, emphasizing the importance of avoiding costly mistakes in tightly contested races.
With teammates facing similar adversity, Hendrick Motorsports must quickly regroup and execute effective race strategies. The team’s ability to adapt during the race will be critical as they look to salvage points and advance through the field amid a competitive environment.
