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Kaulig Racing driver Josh Williams is undoubtedly one of the more experienced drivers in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Having raced in the competition since 2016, the 30-year-old knows a thing or two about living in the fast lane, and the importance of ‘luck’ and momentum that can make or break a season. With three top-10 finishes in the Xfinity Series so far, and just seven races remaining in the season, Williams knows that the time to get results is now for anyone looking to secure a spot in the playoffs.
As the EssentiallySports team is in Pocono for the weekend, Josh Williams shared his insights with Jordan Jenkins, who is the ‘Lucky Dog on track’ representative for EssentiallySports, about tackling ‘The Tricky Triangle’ and who could be the lucky dog at the 2.0-mile triangular-shaped racetrack.
Located in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, Pocono Raceway is one of NASCAR’s unique tracks because of its three distinct corners. Known for its high-speed action on lengthy straightaways, familiarity with the track during the 20-minute practice session can make all the difference in qualifying positions as well as the race result. With the weather being perfect to run the 90 scheduled laps uninterrupted, Josh Williams had high hopes of getting a result on the track.
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In an exclusive chat with Jordan Jenkins for EssentiallySports, Williams was asked about his strategy to tame ‘The Tricky Triangle’ for practice, and ultimately the Xfinity Series race. The Kaulig Racing driver replied, “I don’t know. The weather is a lot nicer than I thought it was going to be this morning. That’s good, it works out well for us. But, I mean, just trying to find speed right? This place is all about momentum, and your car handling good. I think we got a good piece, we’ll find out here in a little bit.”
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via Getty
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 17: Josh Williams, driver of the #11 Alloy Employer Services Chevrolet, waits on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Xfinity Series United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway on February 17, 2024 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
When Jordan Jenkins inquired about the potential ‘Lucky Dog’ on track at Pocono, Williams responded candidly, “It’s hard to tell. You never know. It could be somebody you least expect here.” With a 22nd-place finish in qualifying and an 18th-place result in the race itself, it’s fair to say that Josh Williams was not the ‘lucky dog’, nor did he get the momentum he was looking for at Pocono Raceway.
By his standards, Josh Williams’ 2024 Xfinity Series season could have been better. The 30-year-old has finished higher than 18th place seven times already in 19 races, with three top-10 results so far. However, with three finishes over 30th place this season, and his best result coming at Portland International Raceway over five races ago, Williams needs to turn his situation around quickly before the regular season ends.
A look at Williams’ history at Pocono Raceway
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Poll of the day
Kyle Larson & HMS Are Planning to Return to Indy 500 Next Year. But Should They?
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Is the 'Lucky Dog' just a myth, or can Josh Williams really find it at Pocono?
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Josh Williams’ 18th-place finish at the 2024 Explore the Pocono Mountains 225 was his second-best result on the racetrack in his career. He finished 15th at Pocono Raceway in 2015 while driving for DGM Racing, while his other results on ‘The Tricky Triangle’ haven’t been as good.
He finished 34th and 40th for DGM Racing in the two years that followed and ended up in 21st place at B.J. McLeod Motorsports in 2022. He returned to DGM Racing last year, only to end up 36th at the 19th stock car race of the 2023 season.
Driving part-time for Kaulig Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, Josh Williams has only participated in two races so far. He finished in 37th place at Atlanta Motor Speedway and 24th at Martinsville.
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With his next race in NASCAR’s top tier unknown, the 30-year-old will shift his attention to the Xfinity Series once again, with the Pennzoil 150 on the horizon at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Even though playoffs seem like a distant possibility for Josh Williams, strange things have happened in NASCAR.
What are your thoughts about Josh Williams’ Xfinity Series season so far? Let us know in the comments!
Debate
Is the 'Lucky Dog' just a myth, or can Josh Williams really find it at Pocono?