Despite the help from Richard Childress’ grandson, NASCAR driver Josh Williams finds himself in a tough battle against a frightening illness. The driver, who gained fame from his audacious stunt of parking his car on the Atlanta Motor Speedway, has faced a series of unfortunate events at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), leading to speculations of a curse.
Williams’ woes began in 2021 when he failed to qualify for the race at COTA, a disappointment that would repeat itself the following year. In 2023, he was suspended for his theatrical parking stunt, which ironically boosted his popularity and led to his recruitment by Kaulig Racing in 2024.
Family commitments made him miss practice and qualifying sessions in 2024 when his wife gave birth to their daughter. Upon his return, Williams was plagued by mechanical issues with his No.11 Chevy car during the race at COTA, leading to a disappointing finish at the very end of the pack.
The year 2025, while different, was no less challenging for Williams. He managed a top 15 finish but fell terribly ill after the race. Speaking to NASCAR, Williams revealed he had been feeling unwell since the COTA race, finding it extremely difficult to breathe in the car and had to be replaced by Ty Dillon during the Phoenix race after doctors discovered fluid in his lungs.
The diagnosis, as it later turned out, was pneumonia. Despite his struggles, Williams is expected to start the race at Miami Homestead Speedway, with Ty Dillon filling in for him during practice and qualifying runs. Kaulig Racing confirmed this arrangement in a statement, emphasizing their commitment to ensure Williams’ health.
Williams’ health predicament has led to concerns within the NASCAR community, with fans questioning Kaulig Racing’s decision not to seek a waiver for Williams. They argue that prioritizing Williams’ health should take precedence over the pursuit of points.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his health, Williams remains a fighter. He has shown his grit in the past, and his fans believe he will bring that same spirit to his recovery. However, they also acknowledge the severity of his condition, with some sharing personal experiences to illustrate the long and arduous recovery process Williams likely faces.
This situation has also sparked a debate about the role of NASCAR in ensuring drivers’ fitness to race. Some fans argue that teams should not be allowed to field a driver who is unable to participate in practice or qualifying rounds due to health issues. This raises questions about the existing protocols and the need for specific rules regarding driver participation in pre-race events.
As Williams continues his fight against pneumonia, the NASCAR community waits with bated breath, hoping for a swift recovery for the Kaulig Racing driver. His health battle brings to the fore the delicate balance between maintaining competitive edge and ensuring driver safety in the high stakes world of racing.