In a dramatic twist on the racetrack, Josh Williams, the esteemed No. 11 Kaulig Racing driver, was forced to withdraw mid-race due to a severe respiratory illness during the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. Having started the season on a high note with top-20 finishes across Daytona, Atlanta, COTA, and Phoenix, Williams was determined to improve on his 2024 season’s average finish of 21.67. However, the respiratory ailment that had been plaguing him since the COTA race took a turn for the worse in Las Vegas.
Despite the mounting health issues, Williams, with a spirit of steel, powered through the races at COTA and Phoenix. However, the full magnitude of his ailment was felt during the LiUNA! race in Las Vegas. A tightly buckled seatbelt and the confined environment of the race car exacerbated Williams’ breathing difficulties.
In a distressing radio communication during the first stage of the race, Williams confessed, “I can’t catch my breath.” By the end of the stage, he had to make the heartbreaking decision to step down. “I’m not gonna be able to do it,” he admitted.
With the situation escalating, Ty Dillon, grandson of Richard Childress, was drafted in as an emergency substitute for Williams. Dillon, who had been on standby as a relief driver, was contacted by the pit crew when Williams’ condition took a turn for the worse. “Got to get to the pit box pretty quick,” he was informed.
Dillon, the owner of a top-ten finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, had to overcome hurdles of his own before he could take the wheel. Not only did the car lose several laps during the driver swap, but the seat, tailored for Williams, was a tight squeeze for the bulkier Dillon. Regardless of these setbacks, Dillon managed to climb from 37th to 29th place.
Subbing for Williams was not Dillon’s first experience stepping in for an ailing racer. In 2016, he had taken over for three-time Cup Series champion Tony Stewart, who had to undergo surgery for a fractured L1 vertebra. Dillon managed a 6th-place finish on that occasion.
In the face of his debilitating illness, Williams displayed remarkable courage and resilience. Apologising to his team for his inability to continue, he chose to witness the remainder of the race from the No. 11 pit box, displaying his unwavering dedication to his team.
Williams’ illness, which resulted in fluid accumulation in his lungs, was severe. Despite taking medication, he described the sensation as “almost drowning.” In light of these circumstances, Williams expressed his gratitude to Dillon for stepping in and his team for their support.
This recent event underlines the spirit of solidarity in the face of adversity on the race circuit. While we applaud Dillon for his commendable stand-in performance, we are eagerly awaiting the return of the brave Josh Williams, wishing him a speedy and full recovery.
