NASCAR suspended Josh Williams after he parked on track in protest of a DQ
Last week, the NASCAR Xfinity Series race was loaded with cautions in stage one of the race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Josh Williams was one of the many drivers caught up in accidents.
Following a crash, William hit the pit lane for repairs. With a right front fender, mostly missing, the team taped it up and hoped for the best.
What they got, was not the best as the tape flew off under the caution, shortly after exiting the pit lane. Notably, with cold temperatures in Georgia, it didn’t help the tape stick to the machine.
NASCAR was forced to extend the caution period to pick up the litter. They deployed the safety team to pick up the lost piece of tape and also told Josh Williams to park it for the day.
Williams was in violation of, “Extending the caution.”
But, instead of pulling the car to the garage, Williams pulled his car to the start/finish line, parked it, climbed out and pointed to the tower before we walked to the pits. He let NASCAR tow his car to the garage area.
NASCAR driver parks on Atlanta frontstretch in protest (Video)
Josh Williams penalized
After the incident, Denny Hamlin and Devid Ragan each offered to pay the possible fine for Williams.
As expected, Williams has since been penalized. The driver was handed a one race suspension and will sit out this weekend at Circuit of the Americas.
“Hey Bob Pockrass, does Hickory Motor Speedway have lights…. Asking for a friend,” Josh Williams asked via twitter.
Williams has since released t-shirts with ‘Park it” as well as the heart symbol.
Per Williams, “ALL proceeds will go towards the supporting organizations of the Josh Williams Hospital Tour, such as the Ryan Foundation, Ohmni Labs robotics and more.”
NASCAR driver suspended for parking on track to protest call
DGM Racing: Statement
“As a result of Saturday’s events at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Josh Williams will take a NASCAR mandated one week vacation. Alex Labbe will drive the No. 92 this weekend at COTA.”
Josh Williams: Statement
“After the release of NASCAR’s statement today about the penalty from Atlanta, I want to take the time to say THANK YOU,” Josh Williams opened.
“I want to thank every one of my sponsor for their continued support: Alloy Employer Services, Call811.com, Coolray Heating & Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, Star Brite, Star Tron, Sleep Well Inc., General Formulations and Peg Leg Porker.”
“Thank you to all of the fans for sticking by my side and showing love. I stand behind what I did and I don’t regret any decision I made. I stand behind NASCAR for these decisions and will continue and always continue to support them.”
Williams added, “I am not going anywhere any time soon! I hope the loyal fans of NASCAR continue to fill the infields and grandstands.”
He concluded, “We will be back stronger than ever and ready to get the 92 DGM Racing team Chevy back up front!”
NASCAR driver parks on Atlanta frontstretch in protest (Video)
