NASCAR fans were unnerved from 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 happened during pit stops when Byron made contact with the number 48 on the pit lane, causing a significant dent in the side of Alex Bowman’s back-up car.
Tensions heat up at Hendrick Motorsports when William Byron makes contact with Alex Bowman’s deputy
William Byron had a solid race at Dover and led most of the event. At the end of the first stage he took over the flag as the leader. This is his sixth stage win. But despite his dominance throughout the race, Byron didn’t hit the winning streak as he finished fourth. The pit lane incident with Josh Berry likely had an impact on the final result of the race, causing Byron to lose his rhythm and miss an opportunity to finish first.
ADVERTISING
The article continues below this ad
Even FrontStretch tweeted about the teammates coming together: “It’s a pit lane misfortune when Josh Berry and William Byron make contact off the pit lane!”
The tension between Byron and Bowman’s backup, Josh Berry, was evident after the incident when Byron was heard saying to his crew, “Tell number 48 he can’t get his man out all the way.” The message was aimed at Berry and his team .
WATCH THIS STORY: The Hendrick Motorsport icon casts a shadow over Chase Elliott’s obsession as he demands equal treatment
ADVERTISING
The article continues below this ad
Dover had Josh Berry upset
After Alex Bowman was out due to a back injury, Josh Berry was named the backup driver for the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet at Dover Motor Speedway. Berry, who currently drives JR Motorsports’ #8 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, has prior driving experience for Hendrick Motorsports, standing 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 during qualifying for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series American Ethanol E15 225 at Chicagoland Speedway on September 16, 2016 in Joliet, Illinois. in the starting lineup. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images)
Berry has a history of success at Dover Motor Speedway, winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series race there last year and finishing 10th in Monday’s Cup Series race. Speaking to the media ahead of the race, Berry expressed his confidence in the Hendrick Motorsports team and his pleasure at replacing Bowman. “I think having a great car makes it a lot easier,” he said. “Hendrick Motorsports will be really strong this weekend.”
ADVERTISING
The article continues below this ad
With Alex Bowman expected to be out for at least three weeks, Berry’s performance at Dover showed him to be a worthy replacement for the No. 48 car. NASCAR fans will eagerly await his next race, which is sure to be as exciting as the Würth 400.