William Byron is preparing for a highly anticipated NASCAR 2026 season after a breakout year that saw him nearly claim the Cup Series championship. The Hendrick Motorsports driver is using his passion for golf to stay sharp, both mentally and physically, as he chases an even bigger goal on the track.
Byron’s Strong Performance in 2025 Sets High Expectations
Emerging as one of NASCAR’s brightest talents, William Byron posted a commanding 2025 campaign. The driver of the No. 24 car captured three victories, reached the top-5 eleven times, and led 1,330 laps, coming heartbreakingly close to a coveted Cup Series title. These feats reaffirmed his status among the elite in the NASCAR Cup Series, and have fueled his determination heading into 2026. While fans took notice of his on-track success, another side of Byron has quietly shaped his competitive drive off the circuit.
Golf Helps Byron Find Balance Amid NASCAR’s Intensity
Alongside racing, William Byron has developed a genuine passion for golf, which has proved both a calming outlet and a competitive arena. As he recounted in a recent interview, the sport challenges him in unique ways and offers a needed sanctuary away from the pressures of the racetrack.
“It’s funny, like my dad would give me a hard time growing up. He’s like, ‘You don’t have the patience for playing the game.’ I would get angry and maybe throw a club here and there. But I think as I grew older, it honestly takes me to a whole another place, mindset-wise, than racing does. And I love the competition of golf and competing against yourself. So I just love hitting a pure shot, a pure iron shot. I mean, I probably hit balls 2-3 times a week,”
William Byron told the Golf Channel recently.
The parallels to Denny Hamlin, another top NASCAR competitor and passionate golfer, are notable. Hamlin, a Joe Gibbs Racing star and 60th Cup Series race winner, has also credited golf for helping him cope with the stress of racing. For Byron, off-season months from November to February are dedicated to refining his golf skills, a tradition he began at age 18 that brings him peace and a new mindset distinct from the intensity of motorsport.
Turning Passion into Purpose: Byron’s Charity Initiatives
Byron’s enthusiasm for golf extends beyond personal growth, as he has transformed it into an avenue for giving back. In 2021, he launched the William Byron Charity Golf Tournament in collaboration with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Carolinas. Since its inception, the tournament has raised over $1.2 million, highlighting the driver’s dedication to community impact and leveraging his platform for positive change.
Strategic Partnerships Fuel Byron’s 2026 Ambitions
With the new NASCAR Cup Series season fast approaching, Byron’s preparations go hand-in-hand with expanding partnerships. Notably, Phorm Energy will serve as the primary sponsor for the No. 24 car at two marquee races—Talladega on April 26 and St. Louis, home base for Phorm Energy, on September 13. This collaboration demonstrates a shared ambition to bolster community engagement and innovation within the sport, with Byron set to participate in content campaigns and special events.
“Bringing William Byron into the Phorm Energy family is a clear extension of our presence in racing and the work we’re doing with fans. We’re proud to partner with William and Hendrick Motorsports, the most victorious team in the history of racing, as Phorm Energy has big plans to keep driving momentum in 2026, while fueling every mission along the way,”
said Thomas Russell, General Manager of Phorm Energy.
The strengthened alliance between Byron, Phorm Energy, and Hendrick Motorsports underlines his readiness for the challenges and opportunities the upcoming season will bring. Both the sponsorship and the driver’s own relentless preparation could prove decisive in the competitive environment of NASCAR.
What Awaits William Byron and NASCAR in 2026?
The NASCAR landscape is evolving rapidly with discussions around format changes, legacy teams, and emerging brands. Influential figures such as Jim France and the France family are guiding the sport through pivotal moments, while new rumors and strategic decisions swirl in anticipation of the 2026 season. For stars like Byron, navigating this dynamic environment means balancing passion, strategic partnerships, and personal resilience.
William Byron stands out not only for his prowess on the track but also for his ability to channel off-track interests into sources of strength and philanthropy. As he gears up for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series, his fans and the wider sports community are eager to see whether he can translate this growth into championship glory. With notable figures—from fellow drivers like Denny Hamlin to collaborative partners such as Phorm Energy—firmly in his corner, Byron’s approach offers a passionate, balanced, and tenacious blueprint for pursuit at the highest level of American motorsport.
