The NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen witnessed a dramatic moment when William Byron and Brad Keselowski were involved in a significant crash during the closing stages of the race. Despite the severity of the accident, both drivers miraculously managed to drive away from the scene unharmed.
The incident occurred when Byron, driving his No. 24 car, attempted to overtake Keselowski’s No. 6 on the outside, shortly after contact initiated by Joey Logano. This maneuver caused Byron’s car to ride up the back of Keselowski’s vehicle, with Byron’s right front wheel dangerously positioned near Keselowski’s driver-side window. Both cars then crashed into the wall, but thankfully, neither driver suffered any injuries.
The race at Watkins Glen was chaotic from the start, with early crashes setting the tone for what would become a turbulent day. Byron’s crash added to the drama, severely damaging his car and forcing him into an unscheduled pit stop. This setback sent him to the back of the pack, where he had to restart in 34th position during overtime.
For Byron, this crash marks another low point in what has been a challenging period in the season. Despite a strong start earlier in the year, his recent performances have been inconsistent. Reflecting on his struggles, Byron noted that the team has been working hard to regain form but has faced obstacles, including bad luck in recent races.
OH MY GOODNESS!
WILLIAM BYRON AND BRAD KESELOWSKI CRASH! #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/Uf3mAHGyCn
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) September 15, 2024
Byron commented on his situation, recalling past races where they had speed but couldn’t capitalize due to unfortunate incidents, like at Sonoma. He acknowledged the frustration but remained focused on the team’s goals—gaining consistency, improving communication, and climbing the points standings ahead of the playoffs.
As Byron aims to finish the season strong, he emphasized the importance of minimizing mistakes and securing as many bonus points as possible. With the playoffs fast approaching, he and his team are striving to regain the momentum they had earlier in the season to make a solid playoff push.