NASCAR team truck driver killed in Texas crash on way to Phoenix Raceway

A truck driver with David Gilliland Racing was killed in a Texas crash while driving to Phoenix Raceway for the NASCAR team’s next race, according to a post from the team.

Steven Stotts, a co-driver for the No. 17 ACRA team transporter, was involved in a two-vehicle crash early Tuesday, March 8, near Longview, Texas, officials said. The transporter was heading to Arizona for an ARCA Mendards Series race on Friday.

A preliminary report from the Texas Department of Public Safety says Stotts was driving a truck and trailer westbound and “failed to control its speed,” according to KLTV. The truck then struck a trailer being towed by a Honda Passport also traveling west on Interstate 20.

The team transporter struck a concrete barrier and caught on fire, KLTV reported, and the Honda rolled onto its side before its trailer was thrown over a concrete barrier.

“Our continued thoughts are with the driver of the second vehicle involved in the accident,” the team said.

The 63-year-old Honda driver was taken to a hospital and is in “stable condition,” according to WCNC.

Passengers John Zaverl and Michael Mizzelle with David Gilliland Racing were taken to a hospital and have been released, according to the team.

David Gilliland Racing and driver Taylor Gray have not said if they will participate in Friday’s race.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to Steven’s family and friends,” David Gilliland Racing said.

This story was originally published March 8, 2022 at 1:16 PM with the headline "NASCAR team truck driver killed in Texas crash on way to Phoenix Raceway."