William Byron to use backup car in pursuit of Daytona 500 three-peat

Field Level Media|published: Fri 13th February, 19:52 2026

Feb 13, 2026; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver William Byron (24) during NASCAR Cup Series practice at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

William Byron will need to rely on a backup car on Sunday when he tries to become the first driver to win the Daytona 500 in three consecutive years.

Byron's preferred No. 24 Chevrolet took enough damage during qualifying Thursday to relegate him to a backup car for the Great American Race.

The bright side for Byron? He drove a backup car in 2024 when he won the first of his two Daytona titles.

"We've won this race with a backup car, so I'm not super worried on that aspect," Byron said. "But it does suck that you put a lot of work into the primary and you don't get to race it."

The Hendrick Motorsports driver is attempting to achieve a three-peat that Richard Petty, Cale Yarborough, Sterling Marlin and Denny Hamlin had chances at over the years before each fell short in Year 3.

Byron, 28, will start 39th in the 41-car pack.

--Field Level Media

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