NASCAR team hauler driver killed in Texas highway accident
Steven Stotts was killed Tuesday morning after being involved in a crash that injured three others and destroyed the transporter for the team's No. 17 in the ARCA Menards Series

David Gilliland Racing hauler driver Steven Stotts was killed Tuesday morning after being involved in a crash on Interstate 20 in Texas that injured three others and destroyed the transporter for the team's No. 17 in the ARCA Menards Series. Stotts was 54. The accident occurred as the hauler was en route to Phoenix Raceway for Friday night's ARCA event.
According to a report by Dustin Long of NBC Sports, the crash happened at 4:25 a.m. local time. As the DGR hauler trailed a Honda Passport towing a trailer, the Texas Department of Public Safety noted that the hauler "failed to control its speed" and struck the towed trailer, causing the Passport to roll over onto its side into the center median.
The DGR hauler also traveled into the center median, where it struck a concrete barrier and caught fire while its towed trailer rolled onto its side. Stotts was pronounced dead at the scene. Two passengers in the hauler, John Zaverl, 38, and Michael Mizzelle, 45, were transported to Christus Good Shepherd Medical Center and were listed in stable condition. Young Mo Kang, the driver of the Passport, was also transported to the hospital and listed in stable condition.
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
David Gilliland Racing, owned by former NASCAR Cup Series driver David Gilliland, fields teams in both the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and the ARCA Menards Series. Tuesday's accident was met with an outpouring of sympathy for the team by the greater stock car racing community.
"We are saddened to learn that David Gilliland Racing hauler driver Steven Stotts lost his life in a traffic accident en route to this weekend's race in Phoenix," read a joint statement by NASCAR and ARCA. "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."
The No. 17 had been slated to compete in Friday night's ARCA race with driver Taylor Gray. According to a David Gilliland Racing statement, the team's participation in this weekend's race will be determined at a later time.
















