CONCORD, N.C. – Last weekend, William Byron clinched the NASCAR XFINITY Series championship, and he was powered to the title by a Hendrick Motorsports engine.
The achievement was another major milestone for the organization’s engine department – a 20th NASCAR national series championship.
“It's unbelievable how good those guys are and what they've been able to do,” Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick said.
Hendrick Motorsports engines have powered 14 NASCAR Cup Series championships, three NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championships and now three XFINITY Series championships.
“Obviously, it’s very special,” said Jeff Andrews, vice president of competition for Hendrick Motorsports. “Proud everyone at JR Motorsports for their accomplishment. It’s a long season, obviously a lot of work, and a lot of effort goes into that.”
Earlier this month, the Hendrick Motorsports engine department passed the 400-win milestone, 289 of which have come at the premier Cup Series level.
“I'm so proud of them, and they just keep on digging and working hard to continue to do this,” Hendrick said. “Thank God that Jeff Andrews has carried on what Randy Dorton started a long time ago.”
The championship was an exciting way to close out the year – and provides even more reason to look forward to what 2018 has in store as Byron moves to the Cup Series in the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
“I think all of us at Hendrick Motorsports are obviously excited to have William a part of our program next year,” Andrews said. “He’s certainly someone we're looking forward to having the pleasure of working with more closely. With all the effort that he puts in, it’s nice to see days like this come true for him.”