Austin Dillon recently shared a humorous behind-the-scenes story from NASCAR’s Championship weekend at Phoenix Raceway, where actress Sydney Sweeney made a special guest appearance.
In a video on NASCAR.com, Dillon recounted how he helped fellow driver William Byron meet Sydney Sweeney during the drivers’ meeting. He explained that their seats were situated close to each other, with only an aisle separating them. “NASCAR, I think, planted the seed because their seats were across from each other,” Dillon said. “You know, Willie B and Sydney, there was just the aisle between the two of them.”
Dillon then mentioned to driver Joey Logano that introducing Byron and Sweeney could be a big moment. “Look, Willie B and Sydney, that’d be big,” Dillon said. “And Logano actually looked over to me and he said, ‘That’d be big for the entire sport.’”
When the meeting ended, Dillon decided to take action. He told Sydney Sweeney about William Byron, describing him as the most eligible bachelor in the NASCAR Cup Series. Afterward, Dillon fetched Byron to meet her. Recalling the encounter, Dillon said, “I think he was nervously trying to, like, play me off. One of his sponsors was right there and said, ‘Go meet her.’ And he was like, ‘Okay.’”
“As we got closer, I think his face got more red,” Dillon added. “I don’t know. I was hoping for more of like a hug or something, a longer conversation, getting your number, but he was very polite. You know, he just went for the handshake. And nice to meet you, ma’am. And that was it.”
### William Byron’s 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Season
William Byron has been one of the strongest contenders in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. He led all drivers with 1,330 laps led and entered the postseason with three wins. During the playoffs, Byron earned a podium finish at Darlington, battled back from a late crash in Las Vegas, and secured a clutch victory at Martinsville to lock himself into the Championship 4 for the third consecutive year.
At Phoenix Raceway, Byron was running second with just three laps to go when a flat tire dashed his title hopes. He ultimately finished fourth in the race.
### Sydney Sweeney’s Role in NASCAR’s Season Finale
Sydney Sweeney played an important role in the season finale at Phoenix Raceway as the event’s celebrity guest. She waved the championship checkered flag and participated in several pre-race events. The actress attended with her parents, including her father, Steven Sweeney. She wore a stylish white jacket over a T-shirt and shorts while meeting fans and personnel in the garage area.
Before the race began, Sydney addressed the crowd, saying, “Remember what this checkered flag stands for: you’re not just another driver; you’re a NASCAR champion.”
After the race, Sweeney joined Ryan Blaney and Team Penske in Victory Lane to celebrate his win. Kyle Larson ultimately clinched the championship title.
Later, Sweeney shared photos on Instagram with Blaney, writing, “Love me some @nascar and congrats to @ryanblaney12 and the team!!!”
As covered by InStyle, Sydney Sweeney also caught attention with her bold race day look at Phoenix Raceway. She paired micro hot pants with knee-high red leather boots and a cropped white tank, topped off with an oversized white racing jacket.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nascar/news-his-face-got-red-austin-dillon-recalls-moment-convinced-william-byron-meet-sydney-sweeney
