Sunday’s Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway had it all. A dominate performance, early incidents, and a late charge. Not to mention a late race restart that helped Denny Hamlin score his second-straight win of the season. Lost in the late race drama is the fact that Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron led the race’s first 243 laps. It was a performance worthy of the throwback scheme of Jeff Gordon that he carried. Like Byron, Ryan Blaney also found himself empty-handed at the end of the 293-lap race.
Clean air and track position, along with some tires, were the name of the game in Sunday’s race. For most of the race, Byron seemed untouchable. But like most Darlington races, dominating and leading a lot of the laps doesn’t result in the trophy in most cases.
Denny Hamlin Steals the Goodyear 400, As Byron and Blaney Both Leave Empty Handed
With plenty of sweet-looking throwback schemes, this race had plenty of classic flavor. Kyle Larson was honored with best in show for the Cup Series in terms of his throwback to the Tony the Tiger Kellogg’s car of the early 2000s for Hall of Famer Terry Labonte. Winning the best-in-show was the highlight of the weekend for the 2023 Southern 500 winner.
This one really is Grrreat!
Help us congratulate @KyleLarsonRacin for taking home another ‘Best in Show’ with this iconic 2003 Terry Labonte throwback 👏#NASCARThrowback pic.twitter.com/wBfL5z7aeK
— Darlington Raceway (@TooToughToTame) April 6, 2025
Larson’s day went up in smoke on lap four of the race, as he lost control of his No. 5 car and went head-on into the inside wall. His team spent the next 140-plus laps trying to repair the front of his car.
https://twitter.com/NASCAR/status/1908964642455429363
With Larson having struggles, teammate Byron was able to keep the lead through all the laps of stage one. It was in the closing laps of the opening stage, however, that Riley Herbst and Carson Hocevar had an entanglement right behind Byron as he worked his way past them. It set up a dash to the end of the stage as the No. 24 cruised to the stage one win ahead of Bubba Wallace.
The yellow comes back out on Lap 82 as the Nos. 35 and 77 make contact. pic.twitter.com/L7V5V7A2aA
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) April 6, 2025
Byron Puts on a Clinic
If you thought William Byron leading the first 98 laps of the Goodyear 400 was crazy. Stage two continued his historic performance. Then again, the second stage was highlighted by some drivers trying to play strategy only for a debris caution to be brought out because of Brad Keselowski losing his lug nut.
The funny part was that he spun well before the caution came out, but NASCAR didn’t put it out until several laps later. That caution helped Byron hold serve at the front and continue his run at trying to match something that hadn’t been done since 2000. Jeff Burton led all 300 laps at New Hampshire that season. The No. 24 of Byron looked ready to do something similar.
Byron added to his 98 laps led in the first stage by leading every lap of stage two and securing the stage two win. He became the first driver since Chase Elliott at Martinsville in 2022 to lead all of the laps through the first two stages of a race.
Another perfect stage for @WilliamByron!
He's led every single lap this afternoon at @TooToughToTame. pic.twitter.com/PnGucLnSUJ
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) April 6, 2025
READ MORE: William Byron Nabs Second Straight Daytona 500, Highlighted by Rain and Carnage
Final Stage Gets Interesting
Byron’s lead over the rest of the field continued deep into the final stage. Though a crash that knocked Josh Berry out of the race on lap 196 could’ve easily shaken up the race a lot. Berry had made a little contact with Tyler Reddick, and it sent Josh hard into the inside wall. Much like Larson, another great-looking throwback scheme was destroyed on Sunday.
A replay of the incident on Lap 195. pic.twitter.com/wQtLPjKwPU
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) April 6, 2025
It certainly started to look like the Goodyear 400 was Byron’s to win. However, green flag pitstops completely took Byron out of play, as Tyler Reddick and Christopher Bell both got ahead of the No. 24 during their stops. Not to mention, Ryan Blaney made one of the greatest charges in recent memory to get his No. 12 in a position to compete for the win.
It's not over yet, folks!
Move @Blaney into second! pic.twitter.com/aMFoVPI4bd
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) April 6, 2025
Blaney was able to catch and pass Reddick with four laps to go, only for his win to be washed away by a caution. As it turns out, Larson’s No. 5 had returned to the track only to crash in a much similar way to the beginning of the race. The replay certainly looked like Bubba Wallace may have sent the five-car around. Nonetheless, Blaney’s golden opportunity was gone. As was Byron’s.
More trouble for Larson!
We'll have a sprint to the finish! pic.twitter.com/2u6nBr4EOs
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) April 6, 2025
Hamlin’s crew wins Him the Race
One final pit-stop was going to make the difference. Byron had pit stall one coming off. As for Blaney, his pit crew has been his Achilles heel this year. It didn’t matter for either one, as Denny Hamlin’s team was able to get him the lead. Couple the awesome stop by the No. 11 team and a great restart, and Hamlin was able to put his car in victory lane for the second-straight weekend.
A great restart was all @dennyhamlin needed. pic.twitter.com/45lvg4wLKP
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) April 6, 2025
It also marked the 56th of his career. While he was celebrating, you could easily see some dejection on both Blaney and Byron’s faces in their post-race interviews.
“It just wasn’t meant to be,” Blaney told FOX Sports’ Jamie Little, despite having the long run speed all day.
"It just wasn't meant to be."
Pit strategy and long-run speed put @Blaney in a position to win, but he'll have to settle for a fifth-place finish after the late caution. pic.twitter.com/UYR2s35Owt
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) April 6, 2025
In Byron’s case, he led a lot of laps and got two stage wins. Nothing to frown at, especially after he was able to end the race in second spot. I’m sure everyone will have their eyes on Hamlin as the series heads to Bristol next. Another good track for the No. 11 team.
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Featured Image Credit: Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images. 4/6/2025
