Byron led 141 of the 350 laps in Sunday’s race.
NEWTON, Iowa β Charlotte-native William Byron saved just enough fuel to secure a win in Sunday’s NASCAR Cup SeriesΒ race at Iowa Speedway.
Byron’s final run after getting fuel was over 140 laps, much longer than the expected range for a pit cycle. Chase Briscoe chased Byron during the closing laps but was unable to make the pass. Brad Keselowski and Ryan Blaney also charged toward the leader but were too far behind.Β
Byron’s fuel-saving efforts were helped by numerous caution flags during the final stage. Eight caution flags were waved in the final stage, which jumbled pit strategy throughout the field.Β
“Feels really good today to get a win,” Byron said after the win. “Luckily, the fuel was enough at the end… Our speed is better than it’s ever been.”
Briscoe, Keselowski, Blaney, and Ryan Preece rounded out the top five.
Briscoe started on the pole for the sixth time this season. He quickly lost the lead to Byron in the opening laps.
Byron struggled to lap cars at the back of the field, allowing Keselowski to close in and challenge for the lead. Keselowski eventually made the pass and won the first stage.
Briscoe gained the lead on pit road during the stage break. He led until Shane Van Gisbergen spun out and brought out a caution on lap 169. That spin caused a calamitous cycle of cautions that plagued the field for over 110 laps.
Carson Hocevar, Cody Ware, Ty Dillon, Todd Gilliland, Erik Jones, Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell, and Van Gisbergen were the victims of spins during this period.
Meanwhile, the field split into various strategies of when to make the final pit stop. With so many cautions, many drivers opted to hit pit road early in the cycle, while others pitted later to bank on having fresher tires late in the run. Byron hit pit road early in the cycle and was in danger of running out of fuel in the closing laps.
Byron slowed his pace significantly in the final laps as Briscoe couldn’t pressure him for the win. Byron held on for his second win of 2025. Byron’s last win was in the season-opening Daytona 500.Β
The NASCAR Cup Series is next in action at Watkins Glen International. Chris Buescher is the defending winner.