Mar 27, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver William Byron (24) before the start of the EchoPark Automotive Texas Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
NASCAR fans were on the edge of their seats during Monday’s race at Dover Motor Speedway as they witnessed a tense exchange between William Byron and his Hendrick Motorsports teammate. The incident occurred during pit stops when Byron made contact with the #48 on pit road, causing a significant dent in the side of Alex Bowman‘s replacement’s car.
Tensions Arise at Hendrick Motorsports as William Byron Makes Contact With Alex Bowman’s Stand In
William Byron had a solid race at Dover, leading for the majority of the event. He took the flag in the lead at the end of Stage 1. This marks his sixth stage win. But, despite his dominance during the race, Byron failed to reach victory lane, as he finished fourth. The pit road incident with Josh Berry likely had an impact on the final outcome of the race, causing Byron to lose his rhythm and miss the opportunity to finish in the top spot.
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Even FrontStretch tweeted about the teammates coming together, “It’s calamity on pit road as Josh Berry and William Byron make contact off pit road!”
The tension between Byron and Bowman’s replacement, Josh Berry, was evident after the incident as Byron was heard saying to his crew, “Tell the #48 he can’t clear his guy all the way out.” The message was directed at Berry and his team.
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Dover had Josh Berry all excited
With Alex Bowman out due to a back injury, Josh Berry was named as the stand-in driver for the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet at Dover Motor Speedway. Berry, who currently drives the No. 8 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, has previous experience driving for Hendrick Motorsports, filling in for Chase Elliott in five races earlier this season.
via Getty JOLIET, IL – SEPTEMBER 16: Josh Berry, driver of the #71 American Club/RaceTrac Chevrolet, stands on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series American Ethanol E15 225 at Chicagoland Speedway on September 16, 2016 in Joliet, Illinois. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images)
Berry has had success at Dover Motor Speedway in the past, winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series race there last year and finishing 10th in the Cup Series race on Monday. Speaking to the media ahead of the race, Berry expressed his confidence in the Hendrick Motorsports team and his excitement to be filling in for Bowman. “I think having a great car makes it a lot easier,” he said. “Hendrick Motorsports will be really strong this weekend.”
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