LAS VEGAS — Lingering effects from an illness drew Josh Williams out of the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Saturday.
Williams pulled the No. 11 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet to pit road on Lap 46 after the conclusion of Stage 1 to step out of the vehicle as Ty Dillon, driver of Kaulig’s No. 10 car in the Cup Series, substituted for him. On his radio communications before exiting the car, Williams said: “Thank you, guys. I’m sorry. I just can’t do you a good job today.”
MORE: Race results | At-track photos: Vegas
The illness stems from two weeks ago at Circuit of The Americas, and the effects carried over to Las Vegas.
“I’ve been sick since COTA,” Williams told NASCAR.com after the end of Stage 2. “It was just super hard to breathe in the car, so I couldn’t ever catch my breath, and it just wasn’t safe to stay out there. So thanks to Ty for jumping in for me and everybody at Kaulig being supportive about it. I’d rather race all the races instead of trying to make it through one and not make it.
“I’ve never felt like this my entire life. It’s the craziest thing I’ve ever felt before. It’s like you’re almost drowning.”
Williams said doctors have told him there is fluid in his lungs as part of the illness, creating the complications he faced in the car Saturday.
“I mean, I’ve taken medicine. I’m doing what I need to do,” Williams said. “But they said it could take a while, so I wish it would hurry up.”
Williams opted against going to the infield care center and watched the conclusion of the second stage from atop the No. 11 team’s pit box. While the circumstances are still developing, he expects to be back in action next weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway (4 p.m. ET, The CW, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).
Forced to watch his car race around the track with Dillon in his place, Williams wasn’t fond of the experience but knew it was the right decision.
“That part sucks, right? But I’m still standing here talking to you,” Williams said with a laugh. “I’m not passed out, so that’s a good thing. But I mean, it sucks, but I think it was the safest thing to do.”
Dillon wheeled the No. 11 Chevrolet to a 29th-place finish, six laps down after stepping in on short notice. The veteran voiced his support for Williams following the contest and explained how such short notice could impact the nuances of a substitute role.
“We knew there was a potential to have to get in the car today, but I know Josh wanted to battle and be a warrior there,” Dillon said. “I think he was just too sick, so hopefully, he gets better. I got a text for me to get to the pit box pretty quick. I hate I couldn’t make more out of it, but it was a tough seat to fit in. It was pretty tight, but I’m glad I was able to step in and finish it enough for these guys. I know anybody else would do the same thing for me, too.”
Because he started the race, Williams still earned points, tallying eight to his season total.