Through five races in 2019, none of Hendrick Motorsports’ drivers have scored a top-five finish. The path to a top-five for their youngest wheel-man — William Byron — became a little more challenging in the first practice session of the weekend.
While making his first attempt at a run on the track, Byron had his right front tire go down. This sent the 24 car into the wall causing minimal rear damage but more significant damage to the front of his Axalta Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
Practice damage for Byron.#HotPass pic.twitter.com/39PZuZUegy
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) March 23, 2019
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.@WilliamByron goes out to make his first run and brushes the wall after a right front tire goes down immediately. The #Axalta24 team is looking now to try assess the damage pic.twitter.com/OhRB9Ohmpn
— No. 24 Team (@Hendrick24Team) March 23, 2019
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Chad Knaus looks over the cut tire that came off of @WilliamByron’s @AxaltaRacing Chevy #Axalta24 pic.twitter.com/IqvYgGLtrc
— No. 24 Team (@Hendrick24Team) March 23, 2019
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The team is making repairs. They have already changed out a brake rotor as well as their front splitter. It appears they will stay with their primary race car.