UPDATE #3: March 8th, 2022 at 4:30 PM / ET
ARCA has issued a statement in regards to the tragic accident involving the David Gilliland Racing hauler, which was en route to Phoenix Raceway for this weekend’s ARCA event.
Statement on David Gilliland Racing hauler driver Steven Stotts: pic.twitter.com/DUDpOWa1qP
— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) March 8, 2022
UPDATE #2: March 8th, 2022 at 3:25 PM / ET
David Gilliland Racing released the following statement:
“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.”
“John Zaverl and Michael Mizzelle, 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.”
UPDATE #1: March 8, 2022 at 2:00 PM / ET
David Gilliland Racing hauler driver Steven Stotts was pronounced dead at the scene of a major traffic accident on Tuesday, involving the organization’s transporter.
The 18-wheeler, which was carrying cars and equipment to Phoenix Raceway for Friday’s ARCA Menards Series West event, was involved in an accident just south of Longview, Texas.
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
John Zaverl and Michael Mizzelle – passengers in the transporter — are in stable condition, as is the driver of the other vehicle involved in the accident.
According to the Longview News-Journal, local police reported around 5:30 AM that a major accident had shut down the westbound lanes of Interstate 20 beginning at Estes Parkway, with eastbound lanes stopped about 90 minutes later.
Longview Fire Marshal Kevin May told the Longview News-Journal that the call sheet indicated that the accident involved an 18-wheeler, which contained cars filled with fuel. May also confirmed that emergency crews had taken a couple of people to a local hospital, but was unable to provide additional information, at that time.
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
David Gilliland Racing has yet to make an official statement regarding Stotts’ passing.
Original Story:
On Tuesday, David Gilliland Racing (DGR) released a statement regarding the organization’s transporter, which according to the team, was involved in an accident while en route to the ARCA Menards Series event at Phoenix Raceway.
“David Gilliland Racing (DGR) has learned that our No. 17 ARCA team transporter was involved in an accident early this morning near Longview, Texas,” the organization’s statement reads. “The transporter was en-route to Arizona for Friday evening’s ARCA Menards Series event at Phoenix Raceway”
As of the time of publishing, the details surrounding the accident, as well as the organization’s status for Friday’s General Tire 150 at Phoenix Raceway, are currently unknown.
Taylor Gray was scheduled to pilot the No. 17 Ford Fusion at Phoenix Raceway, in hopes of starting his bid for the 2022 Sioux Chief Showdown championship on the right foot.
The General Tire 150 is scheduled for Friday at 5:30 p.m. MT / 7:30 p.m. ET.
This article was a collaborative effort between Joseph Srigley and RJ Starcevic
