Josh Williams, former driver of the No. 11 Alloy Employer Services Chevrolet, gestures a hand heart to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Xfinity Series King of Tough 250 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 24, 2024 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
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Josh Williams is set to return to the Nascar Xfinity Series after parting ways with Kaulig Racing after the 21st race of the 2025 season.
Williams will make his return next weekend, when the Xfinity Series competes at Daytona. Optum, an information and technology-enabled health services firm, has partnered with Williams to sponsor the No. 45 car for Alpha Prime Racing in four races. Alloy Employer Services, Williams’ longtime partner, will also continue to sponsor his effort.
In addition to sponsoring the No. 45 car, Optum is also partnering with Williams to sponsor his well-known hospital tour, in which he visits children’s hospitals near each race track.
“It’s real important for me to have companies that believe in me, my career, and my dedication to the hospital tour,” Williams said. “Alloy Employer Services has been behind me for years and having Optum join the program is another reminder that what we’re doing matters. This has been a trying time for my family, me and my fans, and the support throughout the garage and my partners has been a bright spot. I’m looking forward to representing Optum at races throughout the year as well as on the Josh Williams Hospital Tour.”
Williams will also return to race at the Charlotte Roval, Las Vegas and Phoenix.
“We’re thrilled that Optum Health has come on board as an official sponsor of Josh Williams, in partnership with Alloy Employer Services,” Chris Estey, CMO at Alloy Employer, said. “This exciting collaboration brings together Optum’s industry-leading commitment to employee well-being and Alloy’s dedication to proactive risk management, fueling Josh’s drive both on the track and in promoting employee health, safety, and wellness at workplaces across America.”
Williams signed with Kaulig Racing in 2024 and had high expectations with the No. 11 team. However, after more than a year and a half, both sides recognized it was not working out. Williams had six top 10s in 54 races with the team. Kaulig’s entire Xfinity Series program has struggled this year compared to past results, with only 20 top 10s split between its three cars.
Williams is well-liked and respected in the Nascar community as one of the few drivers who can completely work on his own racecar if needed. His old-school racer mentality has led him to have a unique presence in Nascar.
Now, as Williams looks ahead, these four races will help him prepare for what’s next in 2026.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/josephwolkin/2025/08/15/josh-williams-set-to-return-to-xfinity-series-racing-with-optum/