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(WENY) - William Byron made history on Sunday by becoming just one of five drivers to ever win the Daytona 500 in back-to-back years. And behind every great driver is an even greater crew chief--Ryan "Rudy" Fugle, a Livonia, New York native, who never imagined his love for cars would take him all the way to the sport's biggest stage. 

Sunday's race marked the official start of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, but it wasn't without a delay. Fans had to wait nearly four hours due to weather before the action could finally get underway. Despite the long pause, the race lived up to the hype with Byron surviving multiple late-race cautions. On the final lap, as a massive crash erupted behind leader Denny Hamlin, Byron was able to squeeze past the wreck, securing his second consecutive Daytona 500 victory in dramatic fashion. 

Reflecting on the incredible finish, Fugle said, "We crossed the one to go, getting the white flag in ninth place. I think we were sixth or seventh on the back stretch coming to the checker and I did not think there was any chance we would win. I thought that we were going to maybe get a top five, hopefully not get in the wreck that was bound to happen. And next thing you know there's smoke and there's an orange car coming out of it and it was just utter shock and joy. It was just happiness on top of the pit box, in the whole pit box, like I've never seen before."

Fugle's leadership throughout the race was key to getting Byron into position for the win. Having worked with Byron since 2016 in the NASCAR Truck Series, Fugle has guided the young driver through thick and thin, building a partnership based on trust, respect, and confidence. "We've both grown, we both trust and respect each other. It breeds a lot of confidence and lets us feel like we can accomplish anything together", Fugle added. 

For Fugle, racing has always been a part of his life. Growing up in his parents' salvage yard in South Livonia, Fugle's passion for cars started at an early age. As a kid, he spent time at Land of Legends Raceway in nearby Canandaigua and visited Watkins Glen International when NASCAR came to town. Reflecting on his rise to NASCAR, Fugle said, "I had high dreams, but that was kind of the top of it. I didn't really have I want to win this or be a crew chief. I really didn't know how it all wanted to work out. Just kind of let it go as it did. Winning two Daytona 500s is the highest of highs."

Fugle is focused on what's next, especially with Watkins Glen on the horizon, where Byron claimed the victory back in 2023. "It's a place in the summer that we love to go to. William likes to attack, and it's a place where we can get seven playoff points if we do it right", Fugle said.

Fugle and the No. 24 team will be back in action this Sunday at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Ambetter Health 400. For fans in the Finger Lakes region, the next chance to see them will be Watkins Glen International on August 10th for the Go Bowling at The Glen.