Josh Williams, a familiar face in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, is facing a significant health battle as the 2025 season unfolds. The driver of the No. 11 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet has been dealing with complications from a severe illness that forced him out of his car during the Las Vegas Motor Speedway race on March 15.
Williams first fell ill during the March 2 weekend at Circuit of The Americas, and his condition has since worsened. He revealed that fluid buildup in his lungs made it difficult to breathe while racing—a serious concern for any athlete, let alone a driver pushing the limits at high speeds. Despite his determination to stay behind the wheel, the physical toll became too much to ignore. After completing Stage 1 at Las Vegas, Williams made the tough call to step out of the car, allowing Ty Dillon to take over for the remainder of the race.
The decision to exit wasn’t easy for Williams, who takes pride in his resilience. However, safety comes first—a fact both Williams and Kaulig Racing recognize. In a sport where mental and physical endurance is everything, even the toughest drivers are not immune to health setbacks. Williams acknowledged how difficult it was to watch someone else drive his car but admitted it was the right choice to protect his well-being.
As the series heads to Homestead-Miami Speedway on March 22, Williams is set to start the race despite his ongoing recovery from pneumonia. Still, the team is taking no chances. Ty Dillon will handle practice and qualifying duties and remains on standby to relieve Williams if his condition worsens during the race.
Williams’ battle serves as a reminder of the physical demands placed on NASCAR drivers. While fans are eager to see him return to full strength, his health remains the top priority. For now, the NASCAR community rallies around him, hoping to see the No. 11 driver back in peak form soon.
One thing is certain—Josh Williams isn’t backing down without a fight.
