NASCAR is a sport that has a rich history and a loyal fan base. Many fans enjoy following the careers of their favorite drivers, as well as learning about the legends of the past. One of the most common questions that NASCAR fans have is whether William Byron, the young star who drives the No. 24 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, is related to Red Byron, the first champion of NASCAR’s top series. In this article, we will explore the facts and myths behind this intriguing question.
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Who is William Byron?
William Byron is a 25-year-old professional stock car racing driver who competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. He started his racing career on the iRacing platform, where he honed his skills and passion for the sport. He then moved to real-life racing, competing in various series such as Late Models, K&N Pro Series East, Camping World Truck Series, and Xfinity Series. He won championships in the K&N Pro Series East and the Xfinity Series, as well as several races in the Truck Series and the Cup Series. He is considered one of the most talented and promising drivers in NASCAR today.
Who is Red Byron?
Red Byron was an American stock car racing driver who was successful in NASCAR competition in the sanctioning body’s first years. He was born in 1915 in Virginia, but moved to Colorado and then to Alabama, where he considered his hometown. He began racing in 1932, mainly in Sprint Cars and Midgets. He served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II, where he suffered a serious injury to his left leg. Despite his limp, he returned to racing after the war with the help of race engineer Red Vogt. He won races in various series such as Modifieds, Strictly Stock (later known as Grand National and Cup Series), and Daytona Beach Road Course. He was NASCAR’s first Modified champion in 1948 and its first Strictly Stock champion in 1949. He retired from racing in 1951 due to health issues and died in 1960 from a heart attack.
Are They Related?
The short answer is no. William Byron and Red Byron are not related by blood or by marriage. They share a common surname, but they have different ancestry and family history. According to Ancestry.com, William Byron’s paternal grandfather was William McComas Byron Sr., who was born in Maryland and had English and Irish roots. His paternal grandmother was Mary Elizabeth Smith, who was born in North Carolina and had English and Scottish roots. His maternal grandfather was James Edward Harris Jr., who was born in North Carolina and had English and German roots. His maternal grandmother was Barbara Jeanne Herring, who was born in North Carolina and had English and Irish roots.
According to Wikipedia, Red Byron’s father was Robert Nold Byron Sr., who was born in Virginia and had German roots. His mother was Mary Elizabeth Smith (not related to William Byron’s grandmother), who was born in Virginia and had English roots. His paternal grandfather was John Henry Byron, who was born in Virginia and had German roots. His paternal grandmother was Sarah Elizabeth Nold, who was born in Virginia and had German roots. His maternal grandfather was James Smith, who was born in Virginia and had English roots. His maternal grandmother was Mary Elizabeth Jones, who was born in Virginia and had English roots.
As you can see, there is no evidence of any familial connection between William Byron and Red Byron. They are both American citizens with diverse backgrounds and origins.
Why Do People Think They Are Related?
There are several possible reasons why some people might think that William Byron and Red Byron are related. One reason is that they have the same last name, which is not very common among NASCAR drivers. Another reason is that they both drive or drove for Hendrick Motorsports, one of the most successful teams in NASCAR history. A third reason is that they both have or had a connection to Red Vogt, the legendary race engineer who helped both of them with their cars. A fourth reason is that they both have or had a connection to Daytona Beach Road Course, where they both won races.
However, these reasons are not enough to prove any kinship between them. They are just coincidences or similarities that do not imply any genetic or legal relationship.
Conclusion
William Byron and Red Byron are two of the most influential drivers in NASCAR history. They have achieved remarkable feats and inspired many fans with their passion and skill for racing. However, they are not related by blood or by marriage. They are simply two individuals who share a common surname and a common love for the sport of stock car racing.
