Photos: William Byron on Nat Geo’s ‘Explorer’

Last fall at the inaugural Bank of America Roval 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Hendrick Motorsports No. 24 driver William Byron played host to National Geographic's Phil Keoghan ('Amazing Race') for the TV show "Explorer."

Keoghan shadowed the team in the garage, interviewed Byron and his parents and spoke with Darian Grubb (Byron's then-crew chief) and Max Papis (Byron's road course coach). He also interviewed and learned about the inspection station with Elton Sawyer, NASCAR's VP, Officiating and Technical Inspection.

Keoghan then watched the race from Byron’s pit box and spotter stand, taking in one of the most memorable NASCAR races in history.


The episode airs Monday night at 6 p.m. ET on Nat Geo.

"Explorer" is the longest-running NGC franchise, clocking in at 200-plus episodes and 52 Emmys over 26 years. The series takes viewers to remote corners of the globe on missions of discovery to investigate stories of science, nature, exploration and culture.

The show will highlight Byron's rise through the ranks, driving real cars ...

... to virtual ones, all on his path to becoming the driver of Hendrick's No. 24 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series entry.

Byron's parents also took part in the interview, offering a look into the 21-year-old's past and determination to make it to the top.

Landon Walker uses a gauge to show host Phil Keoghan how to measure the tread depth of a tire.

Keoghan with Hendrick Motorsports' Darian Grubb.

Keoghan speaks into a microphone while filming above Charlotte Motor Speedway's Roval course.

Keoghan and Grubb chatting in the garage area.

Performance advisor Max Papis speaks with Keoghan.

Keoghan and Grubb share a laugh.