William Byron began working with crew chief Rudy Fugle in January 2016 during the Speedfest short‑track event in Cordele, Georgia, and has remained partnered with him for all but three years.
The Speedfest program was intended to accelerate their communication before the NASCAR Truck Series season started at Daytona International Speedway a month later.
Together they have accumulated 23 combined Cup and Truck Series victories and developed a strong mutual trust and conviction. Nevertheless, this season has tested even the strongest of their bonds.
Until their breakthrough on Sunday at Martinsville Speedway, the Hendrick Motorsports No. 24 team remained winless for the entire season. They entered the Chase for the Championship as the 13th seed, while their teammates in the No. 5 car were poised to claim a third championship in six seasons.
Consequently, they needed this victory, marking their fourth win together at the historic half‑mile track in Ridgeway, Virginia. As with Jeff Gordon’s legendary tenure in this car, a failure to win at Martinsville would signal deeper underlying issues.
Fugle, nearly a year after their last victory, described the season as ‘trying’ and credited Byron with delivering the performance at Martinsville.
“We have an exceptional race‑car driver who knows this venue extremely well,” Fugle said. “He has recently refined what he wants and needs. Our strong package reflects a great company that collaborates with four top teams, each pushing the others.
“Our rich history at Martinsville, where Jeff taught us the essential skills to master the track, and Jimmie contributed before I arrived. Every driver knows what they need, and we have been able to provide it.”
Watch: Byron celebrates his first 2026 victory, noting the long journey.
Fugle also accepts responsibility for the team’s struggles; as the leader, he acknowledges that the accountability rests with him.
“Yes, there are many things to reflect on,” Fugle said. “I’ll take ownership for how we approached the lack of speed and the resulting car performance issues during the middle of the season.”
This accountability inspired Byron.
“We’ve faced considerable adversity,” Byron said. “We continue to work hard, and our work ethic has consistently driven us forward and toward the next challenge.”
“I’m proud that no one gave up. We came together, both in the shop and on the track, to keep pushing forward. It’s easy for outsiders to suggest focusing all effort on a single car, but that’s never been our approach.”
Fugle described the season as a ‘bank withdrawal’ from the success they’ve enjoyed over the past decade, noting that they still recognize their combined capabilities and remain focused.
“We’ve drawn on the equity built over the years—trust, among other things,” Fugle said. “It’s been challenging; we’ve made mistakes on both ends and haven’t achieved the results we need.”
“There are 25 competitors who would envy our season,” Fugle said. “But that’s not our goal. It’s hard work, and it requires us to look after one another.”
“Sometimes you need to remind yourself to stay diligent. When things go well, it’s easy; when the car slows or difficulties arise, everything becomes tougher. This is a demanding job and sport, requiring everyone’s contribution.”
Ahead lies a challenging phase as they turn their attention to the rest of the organization, where Kyle Larson and Cliff Daniels are celebrating another championship, while the No. 24 car continues to pursue its first.
“I don’t think we can work any harder,” Byron said. “Our focus now is on working smarter to achieve that position moving forward.”
“We experienced some misfortune, but we continued to work on every track and embraced the difficult days when results were poor.”
It’s been a trying year, and this victory feels like a revitalizing boost—something we can look back on proudly as everyone kept their heads down. It was a truly great weekend for us.
They needed this win. Byron emphasized all summer and into the fall that, even as the championship hopes faded, he refused to finish the season winless, and they achieved that.
“When I look at the great drivers and teams, they always find a way to win a race each year,” Byron said. “I was aware that we hadn’t won a race this calendar year, and that’s a significant matter.”
“Each season begins with the goal of winning a race, then aiming for a championship or playoff berth. Historically we’ve started strongly, securing early wins that relieve pressure. This year was a grind.”
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