$1,000,000,000-worth Rick Hendrick-owned HMS driver sends mixed signals about his confidence in Martinsville

William Byron’s Confidence Levels Heading into Martinsville Race

William Byron, the Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) driver worth billions thanks to owner Rick Hendrick, is heading into the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway with a mix of confidence and caution. After a stellar start to the season, including a second consecutive Daytona 500 victory, Byron is hungry for another win. But is he feeling the pressure?

Byron’s Perspective on Martinsville

Byron shared his thoughts on the upcoming race, stating: “I’m confident but also not extremely confident. We’ve had some good runs and we’ve also had some just OK runs. We have some work to do… on our short-track package, but I think we’ll still be in a good place. It’s really about having a good long run car, and that’s what we will really focus on.”

This balanced perspective highlights Byron’s awareness of both his strengths and areas for improvement, crucial for success at the challenging Martinsville track.

Byron’s Track Record and Current Standings

Driving the No. 24 for Hendrick Motorsports, Byron is currently leading the driver standings with 244 points. He boasts an impressive NASCAR Cup Series record with 14 career wins, including two victories at Martinsville Speedway. His most recent Martinsville win was on April 8, 2024. With three top-five and three top-10 finishes at the track, Byron clearly has the potential to dominate.

Hendrick Motorsports’ Strong Presence

Byron is the second HMS driver to secure a spot in the postseason, following Kyle Larson’s win at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Meanwhile, Chase Elliott, driving the No. 9 Chevy for Hendrick Motorsports, remains a top contender, despite a long wait for a points-paying race win.

Jeff Gordon, HMS Vice Chairman, commented on Elliott’s season, acknowledging the team’s initial momentum and recent frustrations. He emphasized the team’s depth and resilience, noting that “you’ve got to get through the rocky times.”

Cook Out 400: How to Watch

The Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway promises to be an exciting race. Tune in on Fox Sports 1 at 3 pm ET for live coverage. You can also catch the radio broadcast on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Will Byron add another Martinsville victory to his resume?