CONCORD, N.C. – William Byron, the newly-signed Hendrick Motorsports and JR Motorsports driver for 2017, grew up a Jimmie Johnson fan.
He said that to now be a part of the same team as Johnson is a dream come true.
Meanwhile, Johnson said he has been paying attention to Byron throughout the season. In fact, the two drivers live in the same neighborhood.
“I can recall him trick-or-treating at my house on one of the rare opportunities we were home,” Johnson said, chuckling.
The six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion said he’s gotten to know the young driver and has seen him around the neighborhood.
“I think he’s an amazing talent with a great head on his shoulders and I’m very excited that he’s under the Hendrick umbrella now,” he said.
Byron, at 18 years of age, has won five NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races this year in his rookie season. The young driver also logged two late model wins for JRM in 2014 and 2015, and claimed the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East championship last year.
“Hopefully we can take advantage of his youth and great talent and give him a great run,” Johnson said. “I’m excited that he’s on the team.”