Heartbreaking news has struck the NASCAR and ARCA racing communities.
Scott Stotts, the hauler driver for former NASCAR Cup Series driver David Gilliland Racing’s (DGR) ARCA team, was killed in a two-vehicle accident in Texas.
According to NBC Sports, Stotts was killed in the accident while two passengers in the hauler were sent to the hospital in stable condition. The driver of the other vehicle involved was also transported to the hospital in stable condition.
The Texas Department of Public Safety reported that the DGR hauler failed to control its speed and rear-ended the other car (who was also towing a trailer). The impact caused the other car to roll onto its side into the center median and its towed trailer to vault over the concrete barrier into the eastbound lane.
The hauler also traveled into the center median, struck the concrete barrier and caught fire, its towed trailer turned onto its side in the center median.
The DGR hauler was headed to Phoenix for Friday night’s ARCA Menards Series race at Phoenix Raceway.
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
Here are the results of the Texas Highway Patrol preliminary investigation. The accident occurred at 4:25am CT on I-20 about a half-mile west of Longview, Texas. Unit 1 was a Honda Passport towing a small box trailer. Unit 2 is the DGR hauler. pic.twitter.com/bpaRGOKjuW
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 8, 2022
DGR Racing released the following statement:
https://t.co/fOt41hB7mD pic.twitter.com/Muokuoa9TQ
— David Gilliland Racing (@dgr_racing) March 8, 2022
The ARCA Menards Series released the following statement:
“We are saddened to learn David Gilliland Racing hauler driver Steven Stotts lost his life in a traffic accident en route to this weekend’s race in Phoenix.
The NASCAR and ARCA communities send our thoughts and prayers to Steven’s friends, family, teammates and those individuals injured in this incident during this difficult time.”
Statement on David Gilliland Racing hauler driver Steven Stotts: pic.twitter.com/DUDpOWa1qP
— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) March 8, 2022
The truck was carrying the #17 car driven by Taylor Gray for Friday night’s General Tire 150. DRG also races two driver in the NASCAR Camping World Truck series: Taylor’s brother Tanner and Hailie Deegan.
RIP Scott.
Condolences to Steven Stotts' family, friends and everyone at David Gilliland Racing. pic.twitter.com/feZ122I8Kz
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) March 9, 2022
