If you’re asking who drives the 24 car in NASCAR, the answer changes with the season. This iconic number has a rich history, making its current and past drivers a constant point of fan interest.
Today, the #24 is a symbol of excellence and legacy in the Cup Series. It’s a number that carries weight, driven by champions and etched into the sports history.
Let’s get you the full story, from the current wheelman to the legends who built its reputation.
Who Drives The 24 Car In Nascar
For the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, the driver of the #24 Chevrolet Camaro for Hendrick Motorsports is William Byron. He pilots the iconic number for one of the sports top teams, continuing a legacy that began decades ago.
Byron is not just filling a seat; he is a championship contender. His rise through the ranks has been impressive, and he now carries the banner for one of NASCAR’s most famous car numbers.
Here are some key details about the current driver:
- Team: Hendrick Motorsports
- Manufacturer: Chevrolet
- Crew Chief: Rudy Fugle
- First Full Season in #24: 2021
- Notable Achievement: 2023 Regular Season Champion and 2024 Daytona 500 Champion
The Rise Of William Byron
William Byron’s path to the #24 car is a modern NASCAR story. He started in iRacing, a online racing simulation, before moving to real-world late models. His talent was obvious, and he quickly caught the eye of team owner Rick Hendrick.
Byron progressed rapidly through NASCAR’s national series. He won the 2017 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship before moving to the Cup Series. After a few seasons in the #24 car, he has matured into a consistent winner and title threat.
His connection with crew chief Rudy Fugle, which dates back to his truck series days, has been a key to his success. Together, they have formed one of the most formiddable driver-crew chief pairings in the garage.
The Hendrick Motorsports Legacy
The #24 car’s identity is inseparable from Hendrick Motorsports. The team, founded by Rick Hendrick, is one of the most successful in NASCAR history. Housing the #24 in its stable links the car to a culture of winning and innovation.
Hendrick Motorsports provides top-tier resources, from engineering to pit crew performance. This environment allows drivers like William Byron to focus on competing for wins every week. The team’s commitment is a huge part of the number’s prestige.
Key Championships For The Team
- 14 NASCAR Cup Series Championships (including 2023)
- Over 300 Cup Series race victories
- Multiple championships with the #24 car specifically
The Iconic History Of The Number 24
While William Byron drives it now, the #24’s legendary status was built by one man: Jeff Gordon. For over two decades, Gordon was synonymous with the bright rainbow and later flame-painted Chevrolet.
His career defined an era and made the #24 a global brand. Understanding the history of this number means starting with its most famous pilot.
Jeff Gordon: The Driver Who Made 24 Legendary
Jeff Gordon took over the #24 car for Hendrick Motorsports in 1992 for a single race, before beginning his official Rookie of the Year campaign in 1993. From there, he revolutionized the sport. Gordon brought NASCAR to a new, mainstream audience.
His driving style was aggressive yet smooth, and his success was monumental. He competed head-to-head with legends like Dale Earnhardt, creating one of the sports great rivalries. Gordon’s achievements in the #24 are the bedrock of its legacy.
Here is a summary of Jeff Gordon’s career in the #24:
- Seasons: 1992-2015 (full-time)
- Cup Series Championships: 4 (1995, 1997, 1998, 2001)
- Cup Series Wins: 93 (all in the #24 car)
- Daytona 500 Wins: 3 (1997, 1999, 2005)
- Signature Paint Schemes: Rainbow Warriors, Flames
The Transition From Gordon To Byron
When Jeff Gordon retired from full-time competition after the 2015 season, it created a massive void. The driver chosen to replace him was Chase Elliott, a promising rookie and the son of NASCAR legend Bill Elliott.
Elliott drove the #24 from 2016 through 2017, winning his first career race in the number. However, in a significant move for 2018, Hendrick Motorsports shifted Elliott to the #9, his father’s old number. This opened the seat for a new young talent.
From 2018 to 2020, the #24 was driven by Jimmie Johnson’s protégé, William Byron. This marked a new chapter, with Byron bringing his own style and building his own legacy under the same iconic numeric banner.
Drivers Of The 24 Car In The Modern Era
- Jeff Gordon (1992-2015): Built the legacy.
- Chase Elliott (2016-2017): Bridged the gap between eras.
- William Byron (2018-Present): The current champion contender carrying the torch forward.
Why The 24 Car Number Is So Significant
The #24 is more than just a digit on a door. It represents a perfect storm of driver talent, team excellence, and cultural impact. Its significance comes from several key factors that combined to create a lasting symbol in motorsports.
A Symbol Of Championship Pedigree
First and foremost, the #24 wins. With Jeff Gordon’s four titles and William Byron’s consistent playoff runs, the number is associated with competing for championships. Fans expect the #24 to be near the front of the pack.
This expectation creates a pressure and an honor for any driver who gets the chance to pilot it. They aren’t just driving a car; they are stewards of a winning tradition that spans generations.
Cultural Impact And Mainstream Appeal
Jeff Gordon’s success in the 1990s and 2000s coincided with NASCAR’s peak national popularity. His clean-cut image, rivalries, and winning ways made him a crossover star. The #24 car was on magazine covers, in video games, and on television shows.
This exposure made the number recognizable even to casual sports fans. It became a symbol of NASCAR itself, much like the #3 for Dale Earnhardt or the #43 for Richard Petty.
The Hendrick Motorsports Effect
The sustained resources of Hendrick Motorsports cannot be overstated. The team ensures the #24 always has competitive equipment, engineering support, and strategic leadership. This institutional support provides continuity.
Even as drivers change, the team’s commitment to excellence for that car number remains. This stability is rare in sports and helps cement the #24’s perrenial contender status.
How To Follow The 24 Car Today
Keeping up with William Byron and the #24 team is easier than ever. You have multiple options to watch races, get news, and follow the team’s progress throughout the grueling NASCAR season.
Watching Races And Finding Schedules
NASCAR Cup Series races are broadcast on major networks like FOX, FS1, NBC, and USA Network. You can also stream races through services like NASCAR.com or subscription platforms that carry these channels.
The official NASCAR website and the Hendrick Motorsports site always have the most up-to-date schedule. This shows you exactly when and where to tune in to see the #24 car compete.
Key Races To Watch For The 24 Team
- Daytona 500 (Season Opener)
- Coca-Cola 600 (Memorial Day Weekend)
- Playoff Races (Final 10 weeks of the season)
- Phoenix Raceway (Season Finale location)
Getting News And Updates
For the latest news, follow these sources:
- Team Social Media: Follow Hendrick Motorsports and William Byron on platforms like X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.
- Sports News Outlets: Websites like NASCAR.com, ESPN, and The Athletic provide daily coverage and analysis.
- Scanner Audio: During races, you can often listed to the team’s radio communication via the NASCAR Mobile App.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about the #24 car and its drivers.
Who Drove The 24 Car Before William Byron?
Immediately before William Byron, Chase Elliott drove the #24 car for the 2016 and 2017 seasons. Of course, the most famous driver before that was Jeff Gordon, who drove it from 1992 through 2015, creating the car’s legendary status.
How Many Championships Does The 24 Car Have?
The #24 car has won four NASCAR Cup Series championships, all achieved by Jeff Gordon in 1995, 1997, 1998, and 2001. William Byron is actively competing to add a fifth championship to the number’s record.
What Color Is The 24 Car Now?
William Byron’s #24 Chevrolet typically features a primarily blue and white paint scheme sponsored by Liberty University. The car’s design changes occasionally for special races or with associate sponsors, but blue is its dominant color.
Is The 24 Car Still Good In NASCAR?
Yes, the #24 car remains one of the top contenders in NASCAR. Under William Byron and crew chief Rudy Fugle, the team consistently wins races, makes the playoffs, and competes for championships. It is a central part of the powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports lineup.
Did Jeff Gordon Ever Drive Another Number?
In his full-time Cup Series career, Jeff Gordon only drove the #24. He did make a few one-off starts late in his career in the #88 car for Hendrick Motorsports when subbing for an injured driver, but he is forever linked to the #24.