The first NASCAR driver with Autism, Armani Williams, made his inaugural professional race in the United States in Memphis, Tennessee. The event occurred on the second of June this year at the Memphis 150 which was hosted the Memphis International Raceway. Williams, a Detroit native, was nonverbal and diagnosed with Autism when he was two years old. Now, at the age of 18, he can not only talk, but he can also driver a car over 100 mph/161 kph around a race track.
He began at the young age of eight racing go carts and at the age of 16, he began to race in the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) Truck Series. In the ARCA Series, Williams made history as being the highest finishing African-American in a series race and the highest finishing African-American in a series championship. He currently has 18 wins and two championships under his belt at the amateur level.
While initially, Armani’s aspirations of becoming a professional race car driver seemed dim, he pushed through stigmas and negativity to reach his dream. Now, he’s poised to help others reach their dreams. Williams and his family started the Race4Autism Foundation to raise support and awareness for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Williams is quoted as saying “I am trying to be a true champion, not only as a racer but for the millions of individuals impacted by autism. Don’t let autism back you down, if you have something that you are talented in or passionate about, go for it.”
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