via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NV – APRIL 06: Tanner Gray (15 PRO) Chevrolet Camaro NHRA Pro Stock looks on during the second round of the 19th Annual DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals Friday, April 6, 2018, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by: Marc Sanchez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NV – APRIL 06: Tanner Gray (15 PRO) Chevrolet Camaro NHRA Pro Stock looks on during the second round of the 19th Annual DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals Friday, April 6, 2018, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by: Marc Sanchez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Earlier, the David Gilliland Racing ARCA Menards team faced a tragedy, while the team was on its way to Phoenix for the next race of the season. According to reports, DGR truck hauler Steven Stotts was killed in a collision with an SUV. As for the SUV itself, it rolled over on its side and the trailer it was pulling, vaulted over the concrete divider into oncoming traffic.
Sad news from Texas Highway Patrol. DGR hauler driver Steven Stotts was pronounced dead at the scene. Passengers John Zaverl and Michael Mizzelle are in stable condition. Driver of the other vehicle involved is in stable condition. They were taking ARCA car to Phoenix. pic.twitter.com/0fRn9xmtGD
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 8, 2022
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Condolences to Steven Stotts' family, friends and everyone at David Gilliland Racing. pic.twitter.com/feZ122I8Kz
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) March 9, 2022
Very sad news. Praying for everyone involved and their families.
— Michael McDowell (@Mc_Driver) March 8, 2022
Awful 😢
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) March 8, 2022
This is awful news. My deepest condolences to his family & friends.
— Christopher Bell (@CBellRacing) March 8, 2022
In light of the news, many tributes poured in from the NASCAR community. Among the many well-wishers were drivers like Michael McDowell and Brad Keselowski. Obviously, it is never easy when someone in the community has their lives tragically cut short. It does not just include drivers who lose their lives on the track, but anybody in the NASCAR arena.
What next for the David Gilliland Racing team in the ARCA Series?
Obviously, the team is in a state of mourning for their fallen comrade. However, he was not the only victim, as the hauler had two other passengers and the SUV had one passenger. According to reports, SUV driver Young Mo Kang and hauler passengers John P. Zaverl and Michael Mizzelle were rushed to hospital. Fortunately, all three are supposed to be in stable condition, but it does not stop the DGR team from worrying.
🙏🏼 condolences to the DGR team, those involved and their friends & families
— Live Fast Motorsports (@teamlivefast) March 8, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with our friends at DGR and everyone involved.
— Young's Motorsports (@youngsmtrsports) March 8, 2022
I’m so sorry to hear this
— Julia Landauer (@julialandauer) March 8, 2022
Thinking of and praying for the DGR team and families. Absolutely gutted to learn of this accident. – TSR
— Tony Stewart Racing (@TonyStewart_Rcg) March 8, 2022
Just a nightmare to think about. Prayers for everyone involved.
— Tommy Joe Martins (@TommyJoeMartins) March 8, 2022
A team statement expressed deep sorrow and sympathy for Stott’s family. In totality, many in the NASCAR community considered this a nightmare situation. Admittedly, not many know what this will mean for David Gilliland Racing and its immediate future. To be exact, no one knows whether they will continue on to Phoenix or pull out of the race, out of respect for Stotts.
This is awful to see. Praying for all involved. https://t.co/rd5qQFzZoJ
— Jeremy Clements (@JClements51) March 8, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the @dgr_racing family.
— Sam Hunt Racing (@Team_SHR26) March 8, 2022
Horrible 😢, thoughts and prayers with the families & team
— Parker Kligerman (@pkligerman) March 8, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone over @dgr_racing
— Reaume Brothers Racing (@RBR_Teams) March 8, 2022
Incredibly sad day for our NASCAR family. Thoughts are with Mr. Stotts family and friends. As well as the injured passengers, and all the people @dgr_racing. https://t.co/vFYn5z1DEI
— Freddie Kraft (@FreddieKraft) March 8, 2022
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Horrible news.. Our thoughts and prayers are with Steven’s family and everyone at DGR.. 🙏🏼🙏🏼 https://t.co/egyiKuwmn1
— Rodney Childers (@RodneyChilders4) March 8, 2022
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According to the Texas Highway Patrol, the 54-year-old Stotts died on the scene itself. Meanwhile, the other three victims are in the hospital, but updates are far too few and far in-between.
READ MORE: Taylor Gray to Finally Make His Truck Debut After Accident Delayed His Maiden Run
