In a moment that left NASCAR fans stunned and inspired, Jeff Gordon—four-time Cup Series champion and one of the most iconic names in motorsports—has just done the unthinkable. On Hendrick Motorsports’ “Road to the Championship,” Gordon officially passed the torch of the legendary No. 24 car to rising star William Byron, solidifying a new era in NASCAR history.
“I can’t imagine seeing anybody ever drive the 24 again, other than William,” Gordon declared, making it crystal clear that the seat once made famous by his own groundbreaking career now has a permanent owner. And what makes this moment even more remarkable is the context in which it arrives—fresh off Byron’s historic back-to-back Daytona 500 victories in 2024 and 2025.
For longtime NASCAR followers, the No. 24 car is more than just a number—it’s a symbol of dominance, speed, and innovation. Jeff Gordon first piloted the No. 24 to greatness in the 1990s and 2000s, changing the landscape of stock car racing with his youth, talent, and marketability. When Gordon stepped away from full-time racing, fans wondered if the magic of the 24 would ever return.
Enter William Byron.
Byron’s journey to the NASCAR elite is unlike anything the sport has seen. Starting out in the world of sim racing, he developed his skills on a virtual track before ever stepping foot in a real stock car. Many doubted whether a gamer could translate that experience into tangible success. But Byron quickly silenced critics, climbing the ranks with poise, precision, and performance.
His consecutive Daytona 500 wins have now etched his name into the history books and put him on the fast track to superstardom. Winning one Daytona 500 is career-defining. Winning two in a row? That’s legendary.
It’s no surprise, then, that Jeff Gordon—now vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports—has publicly given Byron his full backing. The emotional weight of Gordon’s statement isn’t lost on fans or analysts. It signals not just a changing of the guard, but a full embrace of the future.
The connection between Gordon and Byron goes deeper than just team affiliation. Gordon has mentored Byron for years, guiding him through the pressures of carrying a storied car number and helping shape his growth both on and off the track.
Their relationship is one of mutual respect—Gordon, the mentor and trailblazer, and Byron, the prodigy turned powerhouse. With this endorsement, Gordon isn’t just naming a successor; he’s giving Byron the ultimate seal of approval.
Gordon’s proclamation is a defining moment for NASCAR as it continues to balance tradition with innovation. Fans of the old guard who grew up watching Gordon dominate will now see his legacy carried forward in Byron, whose modern rise and digital background represent a new generation of racing fans.
More importantly, this moment has the power to bridge generations. Byron’s youth and digital savvy appeal to younger audiences, while Gordon’s continued presence keeps longtime fans engaged. In a sport where driver loyalty runs deep, the Gordon-Byron connection could be the spark NASCAR needs to unite its fan base around a shared story of evolution and excellence.
The internet, of course, had plenty to say. Fans flooded Twitter and Facebook with reactions ranging from emotional to euphoric. “NEVER EXPECTED THIS!” became a trending phrase across NASCAR circles, as fans processed Gordon’s bold declaration.
“Jeff Gordon calling William Byron the forever driver of the 24 is the passing of the torch we all hoped for,” one user posted. Another added, “This is not just a new chapter—it’s the sequel we didn’t know we needed.”
With Gordon’s blessing and a pair of Daytona 500 wins under his belt, the pressure is now on Byron to continue delivering. But if his trajectory so far is any indication, the 26-year-old is more than ready for the challenge.
Hendrick Motorsports looks poised for another era of dominance, and the No. 24 car is once again at the center of it all—only this time, with William Byron behind the wheel and Jeff Gordon watching proudly from the pit box.
