“ Tell me I can ’ t , so I can show you that I can ” Armani Williams , NASCAR driver with autism
Armani Williams , from Grosse Pointe , Michigan , is a twentytwo old American professional race car driver in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series . He is also pursuing a bachelor ’ s degree in mechanical engineering from Oakland University in Rochester Hills , Michigan .
Armani is easily recognized at the track with his famous high point faux hawk haircut . As well , he is neurodiverse and the first professional driver in NASCAR known to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder . Given the challenges associated with autism , Williams ' rise to NASCAR ’ s top three national series is remarkable and considered extraordinary .
Williams enjoys a racing platform that gives him a unique profile and position to spread awareness and drive inclusion opportunities for families and children impacted by neurodiversity and other neurological development delays . He has been a brand ambassador for several companies and organizations that promote diversity and inclusion , as well as supporting Autism . As a goal , Williams seeks to be a champion on the track , as well as partnering with corporations that have initiated Autism hiring and job programs for individuals on the spectrum .
Armani grew up racing short tracks in Michigan , Indiana and Ohio . His professional career began as a 16-yearold participating in NASCAR ’ s Driver 4 Diversity Combine program . From there , he would go north and race in the professional NASCAR Pinty ’ s Series in Canada for Canada ’ s Best Race Team ( CBRT ). After successfully demonstrating that he could compete in Canada , Williams career moved back to the United States competing in NASCAR ’ s regional series ARCA East and West , and ultimately for the premier ARCA Menards Series .
His success at the national ARCA Menards Series level opened the door for him to step into NASCAR ’ s national top-three series . Williams has seen both challenge and success on the track , requiring him to tap into an elevated level of mental strength . He is often quoted as saying , “ Tell me I can ’ t , so that I can show you that I can .”
Armani Williams ’ future in the sport is bright . He currently competes for Mooresville , N . C . - based Young ’ s Motorsports in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series .
His best NASCAR Truck Series national series finish came in 2021 for Reaume Brothers Racing where Williams finished 21st at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway , nestled outside of St . Louis , Missouri .
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