Motorsports
Boost for William Byron’s Hendrick Motorsports with signing for 2026 season
William Byron has signed a new sponsorship deal with a defense technology company for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.
William Byron is set to welcome a new sponsor starting in the 2026 season, as the driver continues his pursuit of his first NASCAR Cup Series championship following a crash at Las Vegas.
Defense technology firm Anduril Industries will serve as Byron’s primary sponsor for two races annually through 2028, it was revealed on Wednesday. Starting in 2026, Byron’s No. 24 Chevrolet will showcase a special design at the San Diego Street Course on June 21 and at the Chicagoland Speedway on July 5.
Notably, Anduril will become NASCAR’s Official Defense Partner in 2026 and will serve as the title sponsor of the San Diego race, paying tribute to the U.S. Navy and its 250th anniversary.
San Diego course
The announcement follows NASCAR’s recent unveiling of the San Diego course layout. “What stands out to me is Anduril’s commitment to innovation and its discipline to being ready for any challenge,” Byron said via statement from the team, reports the Express US.
“That’s the same approach our team takes every week, so it’s special to represent a company that shares those principles. The fact that this program gives back to those who serve is something we’re proud to support and makes the partnership especially meaningful. We’re looking forward to having Anduril on board.”
Anduril has joined the ranks of sponsors supporting Byron in his pursuit of his first Cup Series championship, alongside All-Pro Auto, Axalta, Celscius, Cincinnati Inc., Chevrolet, Liberty University, Logitech, HP, iRacing, and Valvoline, among others.
Jeff Miller, the vice president of marketing at Anduril, shed light on why the defense technology company chose to partner with Byron and Hendrick Motorsports.
“Hendrick Motorsports sets the standard in NASCAR,” he said in a statement via Hendrick Motorsports’ website.
Anduril partnership
“For Anduril, this partnership is about showcasing technology and performance at the highest level. We’re also aligned in our commitment to advocate for the military community. That mission will be the North Star for how we partner together.”
Rick Hendrick, the owner of Hendrick Motorsports, shared why it was crucial to collaborate with Anduril, particularly as NASCAR enters a new era with San Diego and its significant ties to the armed forces.
“Anduril is transforming its industry with the same kind of passion for winning that we bring to racing,” Hendrick stated.
“We’re proud to represent a company that pushes the boundaries of advanced technology to support our military and engages in programs to honor service members and their families. William and the No. 24 team will be tremendous ambassadors for Anduril and its message.”
However, before that, Byron is focused on securing his spot in the Championship 4. He’s currently 36 points below the cutoff line as he heads into Martinsville, the second-to-last race of the season, with Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe hot on his heels.