18-year-old William Byron signs with Hendrick Motorsports

Hendrick Motorsports has signed 18-year-old William Byron, who just began racing fewer than five years ago and is currently the Camping Truck Series points leader, to a multiyear contract, the team announced Thursday.

Despite a lack of experience, Byron has quickly asserted himself as one of NASCAR’s rising stars. His five Truck Series wins this season are the most ever by a rookie in that division, and in addition to being ranked first in the standings, he also tops the series in laps led and average finish.

Byron will drive the entirety of the 2017 Xfinity Series schedule for JR Motorsports, a team co-owned by Hendrick Motorsports principle, Rick Hendrick, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Earnhardt’s sister, Kelley Earnhardt Miller.

“Even before I started racing, it was a dream of mine to drive for Hendrick Motorsports,” Byron said. “I have so much respect for the way Mr. Hendrick supports his people and encourages everyone to work together. This is the biggest announcement and biggest opportunity of my life, and I will do everything I can to make the most of it. I’m proud to be part of this team.”

Earnhardt Jr., along with Jimmie Johnson, Chase Elliott and Kasey Kahne, presently comprise Hendrick Motorsports’ four-driver Sprint Cup lineup. But with Byron’s signing that roster could soon be in flux.

Kahne, whose contract expires at the end of the 2018 season, has underperformed recently with his last victory occurring Labor Day weekend 2014. He is likely to miss the Chase for the Sprint Cup playoffs for a second consecutive year. Meanwhile, Earnhardt is out indefinitely after suffering his third concussion in four years following a June crash at Michigan International Speedway. His contract is up at the end of 2017.

“William is a special person and a special talent,” Hendrick said. “It’s been impressive to watch him come up through the ranks and have success at every level. What he’s already accomplished this season has been remarkable. On top of all his ability, he’s a terrific young man from a great family, and we think he has a very bright future with our organization.”

Byron previously raced Super Late Models for JRM in 2014 and 2015, his first experience driving full-bodied stock cars. He got his start in motor sports by racing online simulators before urging his parents to buy him an actual race car. He graduated from high school in May and is enrolled as a freshman at Liberty University where he will begin online classes in the fall.

“I owe so much to Dale Jr. and everyone at JRM for taking a chance on me in 2014,” Byron said. “Looking back, I know none of this would’ve happened without that opportunity.”