In the early hours of Tuesday, March 8, NASCAR team David Gilliland Racing revealed their transporter had been involved in a crash near Longview, Texas.
“The transporter was en route to Arizona for Friday evening’s ARCA Menards Series event at Phoenix Raceway.”
At the time, it was unknown if the team and driver would participate in the race.
Team Statement: pic.twitter.com/2Dhut4zFI9
— TRICON (@TRICONGarage) March 8, 2022
Six hours later, the team confirmed the death of one of their drivers, Steven Stotts. They released the following statement on their social media pages:
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Steven Stotts, co-driver for our No. 17 ARCA team transporter, that was involved in an accident early this morning near Longview, Texas. Our deepest sympathies go out to Steven’s family and friends.”
The statement continued, “John Zaverl and Michael Mizelle, who were passengers in the transporter, have been treated and released from a local hospital. Our continued thoughts are with the driver of the second vehicle involved in the accident.”
According to WCNC Charlotte, an affiliate of NBC, reported that Stotts’ truck and trailer struck a “small box trailer towed by a 2020 Honda Passport while in the westbound outside lane, according to a DPS preliminary investigation.”
Stotts was pronounced dead on the scene. The 63-year-old driver of the Honda was taken to a local hospital and is in stable condition.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Stotts’ family and friends