Josh Williams hoping prior Pocono Raceway starts matter in XFINITY run

Port Charlotte, Fla.’s Josh Williams is hoping his prior experience at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway will pay huge dividends in his second NASCAR XFINITY Series (NXS) start of the season in Saturday afternoon’s Pocono Green 250.

Between 2012 and 2016 Williams has made nine starts at the Tricky Triangle with a best showing of fifth in 2014 in ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards competition driving for his family-owned Josh Williams Motorsports (JWM) team.

Five top-10 finishes overall in those starts give the Floridian the confidence he needs to deliver King Autosport one of their best XFINITY runs of the year.

“Pocono is a track I really enjoy,” Williams said. “It’s such a unique and challenging place where a driver’s ability really has the potential to showcase itself. “I’m extremely appreciative of the opportunity to drive for my buddy Mario (Gosselin) and his King Autosport team again.

“A good run on Saturday could open the door for more races. And that’s what I’m after.”

In his 2017 debut at Bristol Motor Speedway, qualified on-time in 32nd and raced to a respectable 22nd place finish – keeping all the fenders on his No. 90 Chevrolet. This time around, Williams has the same goals in mind but hopes to press forward into the top-20.

“Bristol went like we hoped,” recalled Williams. “We really had a pretty good car. We qualified on speed and went forward. We didn’t’ go back. I ran my race and made gains throughout the day. I want to do more of the same on Saturday.”

It’s more than about running well for not only himself and King Autosport on Saturday, but those that have allowed his third career XFINITY Series start to come to fruition.

Southwest Florida Cable Construction and James Carter Attorney at Law will serve as the primary marketing partners for the 12th race of the season.

“Sponsorship is not easy to come by these days and I am very appreciative to both Southwest Florida  Cable Construction and James Carter Attorney at Law for their support this weekend.,” said Williams. “Having the opportunity to represent a brand, company and its employees both on and off the track is a privilege and I am thankful for their support.”

“It’s a relatively short race and I feel like the XFINITY Series stages have the opportunity to make this race feel even shorter. If we can get our car balanced pretty good during the first two stages – then I think we can really put ourselves in position for a solid finish.”

What’s next after Pocono? Williams isn’t sure, but he plans to keep himself seen.

“Just because I’m not racing every week– doesn’t mean I’m going to be hiding,” he said. “I know in racing – staying active and visible is important. And that’s actually what I’m going to do.”

Josh Williams PR