Photo: Sean Gardner / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
William Byron clinched victory at the Iowa Corn 350, holding off a late surge from Chase Briscoe to win by just over a second at Iowa Speedway on Sunday (August 3). This win marks Byron's second victory of the NASCAR Cup Series season, following his earlier triumph at the Daytona 500.
Byron's win was aided by a strategic gamble on fuel mileage, as he managed to stretch his fuel for 144 laps, well beyond the typical 100-lap fuel window at the track. A series of seven cautions in the final stage allowed Byron to save enough fuel to maintain his lead. "We've had our fair share of things not go our way with fuel mileage, and just super thankful for (crew chief) Rudy (Fugle) and all these guys," Byron said after the race.
Chase Briscoe finished second, followed closely by Brad Keselowski, Ryan Blaney, and Ryan Preece. Keselowski, who won the first two stages, was unable to capitalize on his early lead due to the numerous cautions that allowed Byron and Briscoe to stretch their fuel. Despite the third-place finish, Keselowski remains under pressure to secure a playoff spot with only three races left in the regular season.
Byron's victory not only ended a 22-race drought but also propelled him back to the top of the Cup Series standings, 18 points ahead of teammate Chase Elliott. As the regular season winds down, Byron's win prevents another new winner from narrowing the postseason window, solidifying his position as a strong contender for the Championship 4 round of the playoffs.
The NASCAR Cup Series continues next Sunday (August 10) at Watkins Glen International, where drivers will compete in the Go Bowling at the Glen as they vie for the remaining playoff spots.