{"id":29390,"date":"2020-05-03T17:01:16","date_gmt":"2020-05-03T22:01:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/?p=29390"},"modified":"2020-05-03T17:01:43","modified_gmt":"2020-05-03T22:01:43","slug":"william-byron-captures-third-pro-invitational-series-victory-with-late-surge-at-virtual-dover-international-speedway","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2020\/05\/03\/william-byron-captures-third-pro-invitational-series-victory-with-late-surge-at-virtual-dover-international-speedway\/","title":{"rendered":"William Byron captures third Pro Invitational Series victory with late surge at virtual Dover International Speedway"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Holly Cain, NASCAR Wire Service<\/em><\/p>\n

Hendrick Motorsports driver William Byron won his third eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series race in the last four weeks \u2013 making a dramatic surge to the lead in the waning laps and holding off Christopher Bell at the finish line for the victory in Sunday\u2019s Finish Line 150 at virtual Dover International Speedway.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Courtesy of NASCAR<\/p><\/div>\n

Although it took that push in the final laps to secure the win, the 22-year old Charlotte native led the most laps (79) on the day, which was quite an accomplishment considering the event featured a very Dover-like nine caution flags.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a lot of fun today,\u2019\u2019 said Byron, who drives the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series. \u201cObviously there was a lot of cautions, so I just had to kind of pace myself.  It was hard to predict when we were going to get a longer run so it’s hard to know what to do with the tires in terms of how much to save, whatnot. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy help there, Nick [Ottinger], Matt Holden, did a great job of really kind of leaving the strategy up to them as far as what tires to take.  I think four tires at the end was the right call to be aggressive.  Just thankful for their support and ready to get back to our normal racing here soon.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\nhttp:\/\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/EIPIS_Dover_Teleconference_Byron_050320.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n

Bell\u2019s runner-up showing in the No. 95 Leavine Family Racing Toyota was his best finish \u2013 and first top 10 \u2013 in the six eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series races to date. Timmy Hill, who battled Byron for much of the race, finished third \u2013 his fifth top-three finish in six races. Joe Gibbs Racing driver Erik Jones was fourth, followed by Front Row Motorsports\u2019 Michael McDowell, both earning their first top-five finishes in the virtual series as well.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

William Byron, driver of the #24 Axalta Voltatex Chevrolet, celebrates after winning the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series Finish Line 150 at virtual Dover International Speedway on May 03, 2020 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Chris Graythen\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

JGR driver Denny Hamlin \u2013 winner of the inaugural series race at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway \u2013 finished sixth with Team Penske\u2019s Ryan Blaney, last week\u2019s virtual Talladega Superspeedway winner Alex Bowman, Rick Ware Racing\u2019s Garrett Smithley and Stewart-Haas Racing\u2019s Aric Almirola rounding out the top 10.<\/p>\n

The eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series was created to give both competitors and fans a way to enjoy the sport during the country\u2019s downtime fighting the COVID-19 coronavirus.<\/p>\n

Next week\u2019s race at the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway \u2013 no longer on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule \u2013 will be the last virtual race, however.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

William Byron, driver of the #24 Axalta Voltatex Chevrolet, races by the flagstand during the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series Finish Line 150 at virtual Dover International Speedway on May 03, 2020 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Chris Graythen\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

NASCAR announced this past Thursday it would return to real-time competition on May 17 at Darlington Raceway.<\/p>\n

There will be a pair of NASCAR Cup Series events at Darlington \u2013 on May 17 and 20 \u2013 and then at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24 and May 27. There will be no practices and only one qualifying session \u2013 for the sport\u2019s longest race – the May 24 Coca-Cola 600, and no fans will be allowed to attend the races at this point.<\/p>\n

But before the sport begins its initial return to real-time competition, Byron has certainly proven himself a dominant force in iRacing. His combined 406 laps led in the six races to date is more laps out front than all the other drivers combined.<\/p>\n

Although, iRacing is a completely different scenario than real time NASCAR Cup Series competition, Byron conceded the work he has put in to earn these iRacing wins against the same top-line NASCAR competition he\u2019ll soon face on a real-time track, does have an upside.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell\/Pennzoil Ford,races during the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series Finish Line 150 at virtual Dover International Speedway on May 03, 2020 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Chris Graythen\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cIt honestly feels really good,\u2019\u2019 Byron said. \u201cI feel like even though obviously it’s virtual racing, it’s a very similar platform to what we do.  The physics and geometry of everything is similar.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat gives me confidence is the fact that in pressure situations, being able to deliver under those is critical in a real race car because everyone can go real fast, but it comes down to the strategy and execution of that.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt gives me a lot of confidence in the heated moments of the race.  I’m excited to bring that back over to the real race car.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n

Hill, who has perhaps been Byron\u2019s top competitor these weeks, was still smiling on the FOX broadcast even after being overtaken for the win.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Delivering Strength Toyota, crashes during the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series Finish Line 150 at virtual Dover International Speedway on May 03, 2020 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Chris Graythen\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cI knew I was a sitting duck,\u2019\u2019 Hill said. \u201cWe came up short again, but William did a great job throughout the iRace. I just want to win again.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n

He\u2019ll have that chance Sunday at the historic North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway – a .625-mile oval that has featured some of NASCAR\u2019s most iconic racing and racing names. In fact, FOX Sports NASCAR analyst Jeff Gordon \u2013 a four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame \u2013 said he was seriously considering competing next week. He is the last driver to win a NASCAR Cup Series race at the track in 1996 before it closed down.<\/p>\n

It all makes for a highly-anticipated closure to the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series and an enthusiastic send-off for the return to real-time racing in just two weeks.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Courtesy of NASCAR<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cI’m excited,\u2019\u2019 Byron said of the 2020 season resumption. \u201cObviously, we’re going to have to be careful health\u2011wise, really take care of ourselves.  That starts with us as drivers to make sure that we’re being smart and things of that nature.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen it comes to the racing I’m honestly just very excited because it kind of goes back to your roots as a driver of when you show up and you race, maybe you have a few laps of practice, but ultimately you get in the car and drive.<\/p>\n

\u201cI’m looking forward to that aspect of the race, not really being there for a long time, but just getting out there and driving.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n

eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series<\/b><\/p>\n

Date: May 3, 2020<\/b><\/p>\n

Race Results: Finish Line 150 at virtual Dover International Speedway<\/b><\/p>\n

Total Race Length: 150 laps<\/b><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. (24) William Byron, Chevrolet, 150.<\/li>\n
  2. (95) Christopher Bell, Toyota, 150.<\/li>\n
  3. (66) Timmy Hill, Toyota, 150.<\/li>\n
  4. (20) Erik Jones, Toyota, 150.<\/li>\n
  5. (34) Michael McDowell, Ford, 150.<\/li>\n
  6. (11) Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 150.<\/li>\n
  7. (12) Ryan Blaney, Ford, 150.<\/li>\n
  8. (88) Alex Bowman, Chevrolet, 150.<\/li>\n
  9. (51) Garrett Smithley, Chevrolet, 150.<\/li>\n
  10. (10) Aric Almirola, Ford, 150.<\/li>\n
  11. (15) Brennan Poole, Chevrolet, 150.<\/li>\n
  12. (41) Cole Custer, Ford, 150.<\/li>\n
  13. (19) Bobby Labonte, Toyota, 150.<\/li>\n
  14. (22) Joey Logano, Ford, 150.<\/li>\n
  15. (18) Kyle Busch, Toyota, 150.<\/li>\n
  16. (1) Kurt Busch, Chevrolet, 150.<\/li>\n
  17. (6) Ross Chastain, Ford, 149.<\/li>\n
  18. (4) Kevin Harvick, Ford, 148.<\/li>\n
  19. (52) JJ Yeley, Ford, 148.<\/li>\n
  20. (32) Corey LaJoie, Ford, 147.<\/li>\n
  21. (89) Landon Cassill, Chevrolet, 147.<\/li>\n
  22. (49) Chad Finchum, Toyota, 143.<\/li>\n
  23. (3) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet, 142.<\/li>\n
  24. (52) Joey Gase, Ford, 142.<\/li>\n
  25. (31) Tyler Reddick, Chevrolet, 140.<\/li>\n
  26. (8) Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet, 136.<\/li>\n
  27. (38) John Hunter Nemechek, Ford, 133.<\/li>\n
  28. (48) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 124.<\/li>\n
  29. (37) Ryan Preece, Chevrolet, 122.<\/li>\n
  30. (96) Daniel Suarez, Toyota, 116.<\/li>\n
  31. (78) Regan Smith, Chevrolet, 114.<\/li>\n
  32. (13) Ty Dillon, Chevrolet, 99.<\/li>\n
  33. (2) Brad Keselowski, Ford, 85.<\/li>\n
  34. (77) Parker Kligerman, Toyota, 79.<\/li>\n
  35. (17) Chris Buescher, Ford, 78.<\/li>\n
  36. (21) Matt DiBenedetto, Ford, 52.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    By Holly Cain, NASCAR Wire Service Hendrick Motorsports driver William Byron won his third eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series race in the last four weeks \u2013 making a dramatic surge to the lead in the waning laps and holding off Christopher Bell at the finish line for the victory in Sunday\u2019s Finish Line 150 at […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":676,"featured_media":29394,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[11],"tags":[222,16],"class_list":["post-29390","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nascar","tag-dover-international-speedway","tag-nascar"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/EIPIS_Burnout_050320.png?fit=1694%2C1120","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7hzTZ-7E2","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29390","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/676"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29390"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29390\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29404,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29390\/revisions\/29404"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29394"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29390"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29390"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29390"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}