NASCAR Suspends Josh Williams After Finish-Line Stunt in Atlanta

NASCAR has suspended driver Josh Williams for Saturday’s Pit Boss 250 race in Austin, Texas, following his bizarre reaction to a three-car collision during the Raptor 250 NASCAR Xfinity series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway last weekend.

Williams’s crew taped up the damage sustained to his car in lap 28. However, debris began to fly off his No. 92 Chevrolet Camaro, bringing the race to a temporary stop at lap 32. Officials then ordered Williams to leave the race.

Williams, 29, subsequently parked his car at the start/finish line, left the vehicle and waved to fans while walking toward the garage. According to NASCAR’s sanctioning body, Williams violated several sections of the member code of conduct and committed in-race violations by choosing to “park his car at the start/finish line and walking toward the pit road.”

With Williams out, Alex Labbé will replace him in the race, according to DGM Racing. After NASCAR announced the penalty for Williams’s behavior on Tuesday evening, he released a statement Wednesday thanking his sponsors and fans for their continued support.

“Thank you to all of my fans for sticking by my side and showing love,” the statement read. “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 support them. … We will be back stronger than ever and ready to get the 92 DGM Racing team Chevy back up front!”

Williams earned a DNF at Saturday’s race at Atlanta Motor Speedway while placing 32nd out of 38 cars.