A few minutes after William Byron’s recent NASCAR Cup Series win at Iowa Speedway, crew chief Rudy Fugle shared some insight into how his driver has grown increasingly adept at battling through adversity and uncertain situations on the racetrack.
“He’s very well-diversified. And then he’s a fighter,” said Fugle, Byron’s crew chief since 2021. “He’s got a heart of a lion and fights through everything. There’s no quit. Those are things that he’s gotten better at as well over the years.
“It’s just rolling with the punches and what happens next. And next thing you know, you’re leading and you’ve got a chance to win.”
Byron’s ability to adapt and overcome is a learned skill. It’s not one he’s always possessed to the extent he does today.
So, what’s been the difference for Byron in fairly recent times?
William Byron Discusses Positive Impact Of Having A Sports Therapist
Despite already enjoying a reasonable amount of success, William Byron decided a couple of years ago that he could stand a little fine-tuning with the mental aspect of being a professional race car driver.
So, the Hendrick Motorsports wheelman enlisted the help of a trusted sports therapist and began implementing strategies that she recommended.
Looking back now, Byron couldn’t be more thankful he decided to branch out. To hear the two-time Daytona 500 winner tell it, working with a sports therapist has made a big difference in his overall outlook.
“I feel like I’m mentally probably better than I’ve ever been. And it’s really just perspective and balance in my life,” Byron said. “I think some of it definitely has to do with working with Joanne (his therapist). We’ve worked together for a couple years. So, really nothing different there.
“But I feel like I just have a really good balance in my life and really good perspective on what I’m doing. And what actually matters and what is in my control. Like, what aspects of driving the car do I feel like are going to enable me to win the next race? And a lot of times, that’s what keeps me going through the bad results that are due to just circumstances or something out of your control.”
William Byron’s Success On The Racetrack Suggests His Mind Is In The Right Place
Since the beginning of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season, only one driver, Kyle Larson, has won more races than William Byron.
The points leader entering Sunday’s race at Watkins Glen, Byron has been one of the Cup Series’ most consistent drivers of 2025. The same has likewise been true of the past couple of seasons.
It’s likely no coincidence that Byron’s performance has only improved as he’s invested more time in his mental health and, in particular, how to deal with setbacks on the racetrack.
“I feel like I’ve really tuned in and really started, as I’ve gotten older, to understand what is in my control and the things that are going to make me continue to be a consistent threat every week,” Byron said. “And I just kind of hold on to those things no matter the result.”
Crew chief Rudy Fugle couldn’t be any prouder of Byron’s dedication to being the best version of himself. It shows week-in and week-out. The recent Iowa race, where Byron had to stretch his last tank of fuel, was a good example of the confidence and calmness the 27-year-old Charlotte, North Carolina native now exudes.
“He’s an awesome driver,” Fugle said. “I think he’s the best driver all around in the field right now. Of course, he’s mine. And I should say that. But I really think he’s maturing and getting the experience to show that off.”
