October 17, 2023: By Office of Communications & Public Engagement
William Byron, the 25-year-old Liberty University student and NASCAR Cup Series driver of the Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) No. 24 Liberty University Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, visited the campus to cheer on the Flames against Middle Tennessee State on Tuesday night at Williams Stadium. In a thrilling 42-35 shootout, the Flames emerged victorious over the Blue Raiders.
Byron received recognition on the field at the end of the first quarter of the game, with fans cheering as it was announced that he has a chance to win the NASCAR Cup Series championship. Byron has already achieved a career-best five regular-season victories and currently holds the second spot in the NASCAR Cup Series playoff point standings. With three races remaining, he trails only his HMS teammate Kyle Larson.
Despite being in the midst of the playoffs and having his best season in the Cup Series, Byron took the time to greet students and take photos before the game. He also did a takeover of Liberty’s social media accounts, sharing videos of his visit, and met with Flames Football players.
Byron, currently pursuing his B.S. in Strategic Communication through Liberty’s online program, was once a residential student. Liberty has been sponsoring Byron since 2014 and remains the primary sponsor for the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for 13 of the 36 Cup Series races this season, with an additional 12 races per season through 2026.
Having qualified for the Cup Series playoffs for the fifth consecutive season, Byron kicked off the 10-race playoffs by finishing as the runner-up to Larson on September 3rd at Darlington Raceway. It was the same track where Byron secured his 100th victory on May 14th. He further solidified his position with a win in the Round of 12 opener at Texas Motor Speedway on September 24th. Following that, he achieved back-to-back second-place finishes at Talladega on October 1st and Charlotte on October 8th. Byron most recently finished seventh in Las Vegas on October 15th.
Liberty alumna Shannon Bream (’93), anchor of Fox News Sunday and a Fox News Channel Chief Legal Correspondent, was also in attendance at the game. Bream was honored as the Flames Club Member of the Game during the first quarter.
Olivia Carter revs up excitement in the world of NASCAR. As a dedicated motorsports enthusiast, she covers race results, driver profiles, and the latest developments in the NASCAR world, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72931262/usa_today_21973134.0.jpg "Stay Updated on Wisconsin Badgers Transfer Portal Movements for 2023-2024 Season")
