By Seth Eggert, Associate Editor
Journeyman driver Josh Williams has earned the biggest opportunity of his NASCAR Xfinity Series career as he moves to Kaulig Racing for the 2024 season.
After five full-time seasons with DGM Racing and B.J. McLeod Motorsports, Williams will now compete in the No. 11 Chevrolet Camaro SS for Kaulig. In 186 Xfinity starts to date, the Port Charlotte, FL native has 11 top-10 finishes. His best finish, sixth, came at Kansas Speedway in 2020.
Williams replaces Daniel Hemric, who is moving up to the NASCAR Cup Series. Hemric drove the No. 11 Chevrolet throughout the majority of the 2023 season. While the driver might be new, the mission for Kaulig, trophy hunting, remains the same.
“After only an hour in the shop, I already feel like it’s home,” said Williams. “I’ve known a lot of these guys for a long time, and I felt like coming over here would give us a good opportunity to get wins. That’s the goal, Trophy Hunting.”
Although Williams has not yet reached victory lane in Xfinity competition, he won twice in the ARCA Menards Series. The two wins, both of which came in the 2016 season, were earned at Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville and Madison Int’l Speedway, where he outran several powerhouse teams of the era such as Venturini Motorsports, Roulo Brothers, and Mason Mitchell Motorsports.
Several drivers in those races, such as Kyle Weatherman who will run full-time at DGM next season, are still Williams’ competitors today. The team Williams owns still competes in ARCA on a part-time basis, giving more of his current competitors, including Brad Perez at Watkins Glen Int’l in 2021, opportunities to showcase their on track talents and move up the racing ladder.
The 30-year-old driver took the NASCAR world by storm in 2023 after parking at the start-finish line at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The viral moment saw Williams’ social media following skyrocket as well as the creation and sale of t-shirts that immortalized the moment. The veteran driver fought his way back from a subsequent one-race suspension to finish 21st in the driver points standings.
“Josh Williams has fought tooth and nail for everything in his racing career, and we’re really excited to have him race for us,” said Chris Rice, president of Kaulig Racing. “We love his energy and passion at the track, and we think his personality and drive will fit right in with the Kaulig Racing culture.”
Following Williams to Kaulig is Alloy Employer Services, which will serve as a primary sponsor. The company has partnered with the Team Chevy driver since 2020, including in the race he earned his best career finish to date.
Kaulig Racing has earned 23 victories in the NASCAR Xfinity Series since 2019 with six different drivers. In 2023 alone A.J. Allmendinger, Kyle Larson, and Chandler Smith reached victory lane with the team.
“Josh Williams represents the spirit of racing as we know and love it,” said Alloy CMO, Chris Estey. “We are excited and confident in his potential for the 2024 season. His blend of competitive edge, skill and sportsmanship promotes a super opportunity for him and all his sponsors. For all of us to be aligned with Kaulig Racing produces a powerful recipe.”
Williams will make his Kaulig Racing debut in the United Rentals 300 at Daytona Int’l Speedway on Saturday, February 17 at 5:00 p.m. ET. The race will also be broadcast on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, channel 90.