NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Josh Williams was suspended for one race for disobeying an officials request during last Saturday’s race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Williams was ordered to park his car in the garage after debris fell during a race, causing the caution flag to go up. Instead, Williams parked at the checkered finish line, got out of his car and walked over to his pit crew as he greeted fans in the grandstand.
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Josh Williams makes a pit stop during the NASCAR Xfinity Series car race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Hampton, Georgia. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
The driver complained to his crew over the radio before getting out of his car. He said it was «apparently» NASCAR’s rules to park your vehicle after an accident «of any kind.» He added that it was «some bull you-know-what» and that he had «never heard of this in my life.»
Williams released a statement after punishment was handed out and was unrepentant.
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Josh Williams waves to the crowd after leaving his car during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Raptor King of Tough 250 on March 18, 2023 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. (Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
«Thank you to all the fans for standing by me and showing love,» the statement read. «I stand behind what I’ve done and I don’t regret any decision I’ve made. I stand behind NASCAR for these decisions and will continue and always will continue to support them. I’m not going anywhere anytime soon! I hope the loyal NASCAR fans continue to fill the infields and gates.» grandstands».
Williams will miss the NASCAR Xfinity Series 250 at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas.
Josh Williams leaves his car after being ordered to park by NASCAR on March 18, 2023 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. (Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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He has finished in the top 10 of Xfinity Series races 10 times in his career. He made his NASCAR Cup Series debut in 2022 at the Food City Dirt Race in Bristol, Tennessee.
Associated Press contributed to this report.