A trailblazer in his own right, Armani Williams, the first openly autistic NASCAR driver, joins Davey this week (14:35) ahead of his Camping World Truck Series debut at Worldwide Technology Raceway at Gateway. Williams dishes on why time time is right to make his debut, understanding his equipment and trying to stay out of the way of playoff contenders, what drew him to racing in general, how a trip to play mini golf sparked his interest in driving and the process that followed getting him behind the wheel.
While racing with autism has its challenges, there are also some benefits that help Williams behind the wheel. Williams discusses them, why using racing as a platform to get out the message about autism is important to him and his family, the story behind his “tell me I can’t so I can show you I can” mantra, his time in the Pinty’s Series with mentorship from DJ Kennington and being comfortable in the spotlight. Plus why he’s studying mechanical engineering at Oakland University while pursuing a racing career, being one of a few African-Americans in NASCAR’s national series, whether or not he’s okay being viewed as the autistic race car driver and a funny story of when he forgot to celebrate one of his first victories.
Davey also recaps the wild Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course event won by AJ Allmendinger and curb calamity, previews Michigan and Papa Segal pays homage one of the best drivers of all-time.
