CONCORD, N.C. - William Byron traveled to Arizona to watch Liberty University take on the University of Oregon in the Fiesta Bowl.
Byron served as an honorary captain for the team in the game. Earlier this year, the 26-year-old driver spent time on campus, met coach Jamey Chadwell and took in a game. Working on an undergraduate degree in strategic communication, Byron is now in his junior year at the Liberty through its online program. The school's history with Byron dates back to 2014 when he was in the late model ranks.
PHOTOS: Byron spends time on campus at Liberty
Both Byron and Liberty enjoyed stellar 2023 seasons. Liberty won the Conference USA championship and its 13-0 record earned the Flames their first ever Group of Five New Year's Six Bowl bid. Byron reached the Championship 4 for the first time in his NASCAR Cup Series career. The Charlotte, North Carolina, native posted career-high totals in wins (six), top-five finishes (15), top-10s (21), laps led (1,016), average finish (11.0), standings position (third) and stage wins (nine). He led all Cup Series drivers in 2023 in wins, top-10 finishes, average finish and stage wins, while tying for the lead in top-fives.
Last month, the No. 24 Liberty University Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was unveiled for the 2024 season. Byron's victory at Texas Motor Speedway in September came in a Liberty University paint scheme and was the 300th Cup win for Hendrick Motorsports.
EVERY ANGLE: See the No. 24 Liberty Chevy for the upcoming season