Williams suspended for parking at start-finish line

ATLANTA — Josh Williams was given a one-race suspension on Tuesday as punishment for parking his car at the start-finish line at Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Williams accepted his punishment but said he doesn’t regret his actions that led to the penalty. He will miss this Saturday’s Xfinity race at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

NASCAR announced Williams was suspended for disobeying a NASCAR request during the race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

NASCAR ordered Williams to park his car in the garage after debris came off his car during the race, forcing a caution. Williams instead parked his car on the checkered start-finish line, climbed out and walked toward his pit crew with a wave to the fans.

Williams complained to his crew on his radio before exiting the car. He said it was “apparently” NASCAR regulations to park your vehicle following a wreck “of any kind.” Added Williams: “This is some bull you know what. I’ve never heard of this in my life.”

Williams issued a statement on his Twitter account on Tuesday, thanking fans and sponsors for their support.

“I stand behind what I did and don’t regret any action I made,” Williams tweeted before adding: “I stand behind NASCAR for these decisions and will continue and always continue to support them.”

Williams also posted an image of “park it” T-shirts he said are available for sale, with proceeds going to various hospitals that he supports. Williams has conducted his Josh Williams Hospital Tour since 2015, visiting more than 140 children’s and other hospitals.