The current driver of the No. 24

As of 2024, William Byron drives the No. 24 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series. Byron has held this ride since 2018 and is one of the team's primary drivers, competing in the full 36-race season. He won the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series championship, making him the most recent champion to pilot this car number.

The No. 24 is one of Hendrick Motorsports' four chartered teams, meaning it has a may provide starting spot in every race regardless of may have access to performance. This is a top-tier ride in NASCAR, backed by significant sponsorship and engineering resources. Byron's tenure with the number has made him the face of the car for the current generation of fans.

Key Takeaways

  • William Byron drives the No. 24 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports and won the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series championship in this car.
  • The No. 24 is a chartered team entry, meaning it has may provide starting positions and access to Hendrick's full technical resources.
  • The car number has a long history in NASCAR, previously driven by legends like Jeff Gordon and Chase Elliott before Byron took over in 2018.
  • Byron's primary sponsors have included Axalta, Chevrolet, and Liberty University throughout his time with the number.

The history of the No. 24 at Hendrick Motorsports

The No. 24 became famous in the 1990s and 2000s when Jeff Gordon drove it to four Cup Series championships and 93 wins. Gordon's dominance with the number made it one of the most recognizable cars in all of motorsports. When Gordon retired from full-time racing in 2015, the seat became one of the most sought-after in NASCAR.

Chase Elliott inherited the No. 24 in 2016 and drove it until 2017, winning the 2020 Cup Series championship. Elliott's success continued the car's winning tradition before he moved to the No. 9 in 2018, the same year Byron took over the No. 24. The number's association with championship-caliber drivers has made it a premium ride within Hendrick's four-car stable.

Byron's performance and sponsorship

William Byron brought youth and speed to the No. 24 when he arrived at age 20. Over his tenure, he has accumulated multiple Cup Series wins and has been a consistent playoff contender. His 2024 championship season marked the culmination of steady improvement and marked him as a future cornerstone of Hendrick Motorsports.

The No. 24 has rotated through several primary sponsors during Byron's time. Axalta, a coating and paint company, was the primary sponsor for much of his early tenure. Liberty University has also been a significant partner. Chevrolet provides the manufacturer support, as Hendrick runs Chevrolet engines and bodies exclusively in the Cup Series.

How the No. 24 fits into Hendrick Motorsports

Hendrick Motorsports operates four full-time Cup Series teams, each with its own number and driver. The No. 24 is one of these four chartered entries, alongside the No. 5, No. 9, and No. 88. All four teams share engineering resources, pit crews, and technical staff, but each maintains its own identity and sponsorship.

Being part of Hendrick means the No. 24 has access to the organization's wind tunnel time, simulator programs, and engineering informed. The team competes for the manufacturer's championship alongside the other Chevrolet teams in the garage. Byron's championship in 2024 was a team effort involving dozens of engineers, mechanics, and strategists across Hendrick's operation.

What to expect from the No. 24 going forward

William Byron is under contract with Hendrick Motorsports through the 2025 season and beyond, so he will continue driving the No. 24 in the near term. As a recent champion, he enters each season as a title contender. The team typically competes for playoff spots and wins throughout the 36-race schedule.

Changes in NASCAR's technical regulations, engine specifications, and aerodynamic rules happen periodically, which can shift the competitive balance between teams. The No. 24 has the resources to adapt quickly to these changes because of Hendrick's engineering depth. Fan interest in the car remains high due to its championship history and Byron's recent success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the No. 24 so famous in NASCAR?

Jeff Gordon drove the No. 24 to four championships and 93 wins in the 1990s and 2000s, making it one of the most successful car numbers in the sport's history. Chase Elliott won a championship with it in 2020. The number became synonymous with winning at Hendrick Motorsports.

Has William Byron always driven the No. 24?

No. Byron drove the No. 24 in the NASCAR Truck Series and Xfinity Series before joining Hendrick's Cup Series team in 2018. He has been with the No. 24 Cup car since then and won the 2024 championship in it.

What does it mean that the No. 24 is a chartered team?

A chartered team has a may provide starting spot in every Cup Series race, regardless of may have access to speed. This provides stability and resources that non-chartered teams do not have. Hendrick's four cars all hold charters, which is why they are considered top-tier rides.

Could the No. 24 driver change soon?

William Byron is contracted to Hendrick Motorsports through at least 2025. Driver changes in NASCAR typically happen during the offseason, and teams announce them well in advance. As of now, Byron is expected to continue driving the No. 24.

How much does sponsorship matter for the No. 24?

Sponsorship funds the team's operations, salaries, and equipment. The No. 24 has had strong sponsors like Axalta and Liberty University, which helps Hendrick maintain its competitive edge. Without sponsorship revenue, even top teams struggle to fund their programs.