Sunday (3/24) was the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at the Circuit Of The Americas (COTA). William Byron dominated on the road course to become the first 2-time NASCAR Cup Series winner in 2024.
William started the day from the pole position and made sure every other driver on the course knew that to win the race you would have to beat him. He led a race high 42 laps in the 68-lap race. The next closest to William among the other six drivers to lead the race was Ross Chastain with just 10 laps out front.
The race had incidents of cars hitting each other and spinning. However, since COTA is a 3.4-mile road course, no yellow flags had to be issued for on track incidents. The only two caution flags were at the end of the first two stages of the race. Christopher Bell was able to claim the win in stage one and Denny Hamlin in stage two.
William Byron was on a strategy to win the race, not get stage points. His strategy played out perfectly for him. He was able to regain the lead with 18 laps remaining following the final green-flag pit cycle. Although Christopher Bell seemed to have a faster car, he was not able to get close enough to William to challenge for the win.
William Byron claimed his first win at COTA, second win of the 2024 Cup Series Season and 12th career Cup Series win. Christopher Bell took home the runner-up finish with Ty Gibbs finishing third. See the complete race results for the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at COTA here.
Although he has two wins in 2024, William Byron is only 6th in the point standings (but 1st in the Playoff outlook). Martin Truex Jr. moved up a spot to take the lead in the point standings following the race at COTA. Ty Gibbs and Ryan Blaney also each moved up a spot to second and third respectively. See the complete NASCAR Cup Series Point Standings here.
The Cup Series heads to Richmond Raceway next for some short track action in prime-time Easter Sunday, March 31st in the Toyota Owners 400.
By: Buck Stevens
