Ryan Blaney Pens Heartfelt Message to His Championship Winning Spotter As Josh Williams Leaves for Spire Motorsports

Who would’ve thought when Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott struck a pose together after Blaney’s victory, they’d be walking down the same path in 2024? Breaking news: In the upcoming season, both drivers are set to welcome new spotters. Josh Williams, the eagle-eyed spotter behind Blaney’s triumphs, took to Twitter with a bombshell – he’s stepping down from his role with Blaney and the No. 12 Team Penske. Rumor has it, he’s eyeing a fresh start with a new team next year.

2023 was a year to remember for Williams, marking his first-ever championship journey. The Williams-Blaney partnership wasn’t just about keeping an eye out; it was a goldmine, racking up 10 victories and bagging a cool $1 million in the 2022 NASCAR All-Star Race exhibition. Since 2015, he’s been the man in the sky for Blaney, starting from Blaney’s 16 Cup debuts with Wood Brothers Racing. 

Josh Williams leaves Ryan Blaney to seek a new pride

During their time together, Josh Williams was the wind beneath Blaney’s wings, helping Team Penske soar from a rough patch to clinch the title with a stellar performance in Phoenix. Now, he’s setting his sights on new horizons after reaching the pinnacle with Blaney and Penske.

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Taking to Twitter, Williams shared his farewell, “Last week’s NASCAR banquet was my last call as spotter for the 12 team and Team Penske. After 9 years it was time to personally and professionally make a change for myself and my family. I’m forever grateful to everyone I’ve gotten to work with at TP, especially those that have become lifelong friends.”

He further reflected on their last hurrah together, “I’m proud knowing the last 6 races were it and going out with a Talladega win, a Martinsville clock, and capping it off with a Cup Series Championship. We couldn’t have finished it off any better. I’m really excited for what the future has in store and looking forward to sharing those plans soon! I can’t wait to get to the Coliseum! Happy Holidays ✌️”

Williams leaves behind a legacy of nine seasons with Team Penske, guiding Blaney to all 10 of his Cup Series wins. The duo clinched three victories in 2023, contributing to Team Penske’s championship win. Rumor mills are abuzz with talks of Williams joining Spire Motorsports in 2024, possibly teaming up with Zane Smith in the No. 71 Chevrolet.

Ryan Blaney tipped his hat to his longtime ally, “It’s been a fun ride for the past 9 years together, from all the race wins to the championship. No better way to go out together than on top! You’re one of the very best, brother. Cheers.” As per motorsport.com Tim Fedewa, a former NASCAR driver who recently teamed up with Kevin Harvick, could be in the running to fill Williams’ shoes as the spotter for the No. 12 Ford.

The announcement from Josh Williams came hot on the heels of Eddie D’Hondt’s reveal on social media that he’s stepping down from spotting for Elliott.

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On December 3, Eddie D’Hondt, a seasoned veteran in the NASCAR Cup Series with Hendrick Motorsports, took to the digital airwaves of Twitter to break the news: he’s hanging up his binoculars for Elliott’s No. 9 HMS Chevrolet. D’Hondt has been a pivotal part of Elliott’s team since 2017, playing a key role in Elliott’s 2020 Cup Series victory lap. As of now, the seat for Elliott’s new spotter remains up for grabs.

D’Hondt’s Twitter sign-off was nothing short of nostalgic, “Been a helluva run.. 12yrs, 26 wins, 2020 Champs🏆Thank you to: Mr. Hendrick @JeffGordonWeb @chaseelliott Alan Gustafson👉468 races together, 26 wins & a🏆. Lastly, my dude Kevin Hamlin.🫶 A career to many, a wonderful lifetime memory, for us all. Excited for what’s next. 🏁”

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So, who could be up next to guide Chase Elliott? The rumor mill suggests Trey Poole, Elliott’s cousin, who’s no stranger to the No. 9 team, might slide into the role seamlessly. Having previously spotted for Elliott, Poole could be the perfect puzzle piece for Hendrick Motorsports, ensuring a smooth transition in the driver’s cockpit.