A car that was sponsored by a prominent Christian university and was driven by one of its students crossed the finish line first in NASCAR’s highest-profile race over the weekend.
William Byron, a Liberty University student, won the Folds of Honor Quiktrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday in a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 sponsored by Liberty University.
The No. 24 car featured the word “Liberty” on both sides, as well as on the hood and the back of the car. Liberty’s symbol also was included on the hood.
Byron is a junior strategic communication major studying through Liberty University’s online program, according to the Liberty Office of Communications.
We're still smiling about @WilliamByron’s checkered flag at @amsupdates last night! 🏁🔥🤩
— Liberty University (@LibertyU) March 21, 2022
📸: @Hendrick24Team pic.twitter.com/IJzpEBt24g
The Atlanta race was the first of 12 races this year featuring Liberty as the primary sponsor.
Liberty is a Christian school in Lynchburg, Va.
“I think these fans saw one heck of a race,” Byron said. “It was certainly long from my seat. It was mentally taxing (but) I definitely enjoyed it. It was lots of drafting and lots of crazy moments, but I’m glad we could come out with a win. It’s super exciting.”
He put on a stellar show for a great crowd 👏.@TeamHendrick | @WilliamByron pic.twitter.com/JweD4yrV4I
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 20, 2022
It was his first victory of the season but the third of his career.
Byron races for Hendrick Motorsports, which reached a five-year agreement last year with Liberty University to sponsor Byron’s car. As part of the deal, the university will sponsor 12 races a year through 2026.
“We are honored to partner with and support Hendrick Motorsports,” said Jerry Prevo, president of Liberty University. “We feel this partnership will benefit our students at Liberty University in many ways.”
Liberty began its support of Byron in 2014 when he was driving late model stock cars.
“I’m proud to represent an institution like Liberty University,” Byron said last fall. “I had the opportunity to go back to campus last weekend and see how much the school continues to grow.
They inspire a lot of people my age to pursue their passions, and I look forward to continuing to represent them on and off the racetrack.”
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Sean Gardner/Stringer
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
