William Byron has signed a contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports through 2022, the team announced Tuesday.
The announcement comes after Byron scored his first career Cup points win last weekend at Daytona International Speedway to secure a spot in the playoffs. The playoffs start Sunday at Darlington Raceway (6 p.m. ET on NBCSN).
Byron’s win came in his 98th career series start. Teammate Chase Elliott won his first Cup race in his 99th career series start. The 22-year-old Byron is in his third full-time Cup season.
Hendrick Motorsports announced last year that Liberty University had extended its sponsorship of Byron and the No. 24 team through 2021. The team announced in February that Axalta agreed to a sponsorship agreement with Hendrick through 2027. As part of the agreement, Axalta will be the primary sponsor the No. 24 team for 14 Cup races each year beginning in 2021.
Hendrick Motorsports signed Alex Bowman in May to a contract extension through the 2021 season. In 2017, Hendrick Motorsports announced that it had signed Chase Elliott through the 2022 season.
Hendrick Motorsports has not announced who will replace Jimmie Johnson in the No. 48 car for next season. Johnson said last week that he has been involved “a little bit” in who will take over the car next year.
“It’s a big decision for the company and for our sponsor Ally,” Johnson said. “So, the weight really lies in their hands and the direction they want to take. I believe in Hendrick Motorsports – the decision they make and who they decide to put in the car. And, of course, Ally goes along with that as well.”