STATESVILLE, N.C. — Joe Williams Jr. will be Hailie Deegan’s crew chief in her inaugural full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series season for AM Racing.
Williams joined the organization during the 2022 offseason and guided the family-owned team as they built a competitive Xfinity Series program from the ground up with driver Brett Moffitt during the 33-race Xfinity Series campaign this year.
Under William’s leadership, Moffitt steered his machine to one top-five and nine top-10 finishes.
Now, Williams will look to propel Deegan in her quest to earn rookie of the year honors while strengthening her NASCAR résumé in the team’s sophomore season.
“I am looking forward to working with Joe (Williams) next year as my crew chief,” said Deegan. “With Joe’s knowledge and experience with AM Racing, alongside the support from the Ford Performance team, I’m really excited to see what we can accomplish together.”
Williams is no stranger to success in NASCAR’s second-most popular series.
During the 2022 season, Williams earned his first career Xfinity Series victory at SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt with driver Cole Custer at Auto Club (Calif.) Speedway.
“I am excited about the chance to continue to lead AM Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series,” said Williams.
“The team has accomplished a lot in a short amount of time, but there is a lot more to be desired. We continue to work hard to strengthen our Xfinity Series program, and with Hailie behind the wheel, it presents us an opportunity to continue showcasing our efforts but also put her in a position to not only contend for top-10 finishes but hopefully challenge for a win throughout the year too.”
Deegan and Williams already have a working relationship as a driver and crew chief. The two were paired for her Xfinity Series debut at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in October of 2022. Deegan qualified her No. 07 SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt Ford Mustang 20th and raced competitively to a strong 13th place showing in the Alsco Uniforms 302.
The duo is focused on building on their debut and accelerating AM Racing even further into the spotlight next year.
“AM Racing is excited to have Joe lead our organization again as crew chief in 2024,” said AM Racing team president Wade Moore.
“Joe was instrumental in helping make AM Racing’s inaugural Xfinity Series successful. With his leadership and passion, we expect to get better and frequently challenge for top-10 finishes and hopefully make a run at the Xfinity Series Playoffs.”