Critics have given their verdict! As the Round of 8 opener at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is upon us, opinions and suggestions are running wild! The spotlight is squarely on the playoff drivers vying for supremacy. Recently, The Athletic reached out to an exclusive group of insiders within the NASCAR paddock. They promised anonymity to get a candid assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of all eight contenders. While the insiders all believed that it was the frontrunner for Rick Hendrick who is in the best position, they also point out what the only drawback is for the #24 team.

One driver has made his presence felt like a true No. 1 seed. William Byron, piloting the #24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, has consistently demonstrated his prowess on the track, setting himself apart as a formidable force in the playoffs. But, according to critics, if he is to claim his first title, he and his team need to overcome their lone shortcoming!

Insiders shed light on the only weakness faced by Rick Hendrick’s #24 team in the final 4 races

Byron’s journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. He had an average finish of 1.67 in the Round of 12, proving how he’s a top-tier driver. His recent win at Texas Motor Speedway gave him a significant lead in playoff points over his closest competitor. While Martin Truex Jr, struggles with momentum, Byron is thriving. He’s had seven top-10 finishes in his last eight races, dating back to his win at Watkins Glen International.

Now, Byron enters the Round of 8 as the points leader and with a wave of momentum. He’s a favorite to secure a spot in the Championship 4, especially considering his dominant win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the spring. The NASCAR insiders, granted anonymity, shared their thoughts. When asked about Byron’s strengths and weaknesses, the consensus was clear. “I see them as the strongest team in the garage. They’re the best,” declared one insider.

The praise continued to pour in, with insiders struggling to find any loopholes in Team Byron. “I’m struggling to find any weaknesses right now. I think it’s their championship to lose. William is on top of his game,” admitted another. Byron’s unique approach to winning also earned praise. “He just wins, and he does it in a unique fashion where he’s not always dominating but puts himself in the position at the end of races to capitalize,” said an insider.

The chemistry between William Byron and his crew chief, Rudy, was hailed as a critical element of their success. “The chemistry he has with Rudy is excellent,” an insider confirmed. However, among the praises, one possible vulnerability poked its head. Navigating high-pressure situations, especially in must-win circumstances, like Byron and his team are about to face in the final 4 races. “My only concern is their lack of experience in must-win situations and how they handle that. And though I think they’ll be fine, we haven’t really seen these guys pushed like that,” observed one insider, highlighting the only chink in Byron’s armor.

March 6, 2023, Las Vegas, NV, LAS VEGAS, NV, United States: LAS VEGAS, NV – March 6: William Byron, driver of the 24 Axalta Chevrolet, celebrates with his team at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Pennzoil 400 on March 6, 2023 in Las Vegas, NV, United States. Las Vegas, NV United States – ZUMAp175 20230306_zsa_p175_026 Copyright: xLouisxGrassexWatch This Story | Rick Hendrick’s Candid Insight Into Hendrick Motorsports Operations

Apart from anonymous insiders, NASCAR veterans like Dale Jarrett also confirmed the ongoing theories in the NASCAR paddock as he made a bold prediction for two of Rick Hendrick’s superstar drivers.

Dale Jarrett thinks William Byron and Kyle Larson are sure to arrive at Phoenix

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Hendrick Motorsports has historically been a force in the playoffs, and this year is no different. As the Round of 8 begins, William Byron stands out as a potent contender, destined for the championship four. But he may not be alone in representing Hendrick Motorsports in the season finale in Phoenix.

Kyle Larson, the 2021 Cup champion, has faced challenges in recent rounds but remains a frontrunner and a legitimate contender for the championship. Former NASCAR driver Dale Jarrett, a respected figure in the sport, is optimistic that William Byron will not be the sole Hendrick Motorsports representative at the Championship 4.

Speaking on the Motorsports on NBC Podcast, Jarrett explained why both Larson and Byron are well-positioned to reach the championship 4. “I think it’s a lot because of the way the tracks are set up here. You’re in this Round of 8. William Byron and Kyle Larson both are just phenomenal at these racetracks,” Jarrett stated.

He further highlighted their performance and track record. “You know, they’ve won races at these tracks. They perform at a high level, they lead a lot of laps, and they put themselves right in the mix. Even when they don’t win, they finish in the top two or three.”

The prospect of both William Byron and Kyle Larson representing Hendrick Motorsports at the Championship 4 race in Phoenix is tantalizing. As the season hurtles toward its climax, these two drivers are poised to etch their names into NASCAR history.

READ MORE: Hendrick Motorsports Reveals Record-Setting Feat Is “Finally Underway” as Kyle Larson Prepares to Put His Name in History Books

So, do you think William Byron and his team will be able to deal with the mounting pressure as easily as they have up until now? Let us know in the comments below.