Josh Williams and Kauling Racing Part Ways After a Tumultous Stint

Man, the NASCAR world loves its drama, doesn’t it? On July 30, 2025, Kaulig Racing officially announced it was parting ways with Josh Williams, their No. 11 Chevrolet driver in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. And honestly, it’s not exactly a jaw-dropper if you’ve been following along. Williams’ time with Kaulig Racing has, well, been fine. But in NASCAR, “fine” doesn’t cut it when the stakes are this high.

With 54 starts under Kaulig Racing, Josh Williams managed six top-10 finishes. It’s not terrible, but not eye-popping either. His average finish in 2024 was a lukewarm 21.7, and it slightly improved to 20.0 in 2025 before things unraveled. Contrast that with the relentless competition around him, and it’s clear the numbers just weren’t enough to justify his seat in a hyper-competitive environment like the Xfinity Series.

Replacing Williams and Hopefully Recalibrating the No. 11

It seems Kaulig Racing is ready to shake up the No. 11 strategy for the remaining 12 Xfinity races this season. Enter Carson Hocevar, a full-time Cup Series driver, who’ll be stepping into the No. 11 car this Saturday at Iowa Speedway for the HyVee Perks 250. Will Hocevar breathe new life into the team? Well, that’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it?

The move brings mixed feelings. On one hand, Josh Williams is a stalwart figure with significant Xfinity experience, boasting 240 starts over a decade and a career-best finish of sixth, and that’s happened twice, by the way. He’s gritty, he’s determined, and he doesn’t lack talent. But on the other hand, NASCAR is brutal, and loyalty doesn’t always trump performance metrics. Kaulig, like any major team, needs results.

Josh Williams’ Emotional Farewell

Williams, who turns 32 in just a few days, handled the split with a lot more class than most of us would. He posted a heartfelt statement on social media thanking his family, his long-time partners, and his fans for sticking with him through thick and thin.

The words “we will be back soon” suggest he’s not done racing, which tracks, considering his deep-rooted love for the sport.“This has been a difficult day for my family, friends, long-time partners, and fans,” Williams wrote. “We will be back soon and looking forward to a much brighter chapter in my racing career. I wish nothing but the best for my guys on the 11 team.”

To say his fans are rallying behind him would be an understatement. His career may have hit a bump in the road, but, hey, Williams has rebounded before. Remember his ARCA Menards Series days in 2016? The guy snagged two wins at Nashville Fairgrounds and Madison International Speedway. If that’s not proof of his resilience, I don’t know what is.

What’s Next for Williams?

Speculating about Josh Williams’ future is fun, so let’s indulge. Does he aim for a ride with another Xfinity Series team? Maybe eye a return to DGM Racing, where he achieved some of his best performances? Or, and this is pure wild speculation, does he try his hand at a different racing series altogether?

Whatever the move, Josh Williams has 240 Xfinity Series starts, five Cup appearances, and two Truck Series starts under his belt. That’s not a résumé you just walk away from. Sure, Williams hasn’t had a Cinderella story career. But we all love an underdog comeback, and something tells me this isn’t the last we’re going to hear of him.

Kaulig Racing’s Game Plan

Now, as for Kaulig Racing, the decision to field multiple drivers for the No. 11 car is… interesting. Is this a sign of strategic experimentation, or are they struggling to find a long-term solution for the seat? Either way, the remaining races will be critical for the team to evaluate and recalibrate their Xfinity operations heading into 2026.

Hocevar’s performance at Iowa will no doubt be scrutinized. After all, he’s stepping into the spotlight with big shoes to fill, even if Josh Williams’ results weren’t groundbreaking. NASCAR fans will have their eyes peeled to see if Kaulig’s decision pays off in the short term or if this marks the beginning of a larger overhaul.

Final Thoughts

Love him or leave him, Josh Williams made his mark during his time with Kaulig Racing, even if it wasn’t the fairy tale ride he might’ve hoped for. He’s a grinder, a people’s champion in many respects, and someone who embodies the never-say-die spirit of NASCAR. The partnership may be over, but Williams’ racing story is far from finished. And for Kaulig Racing? Well, their road to proving themselves in the Xfinity Series just got a lot more interesting.