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In Dover, Delaware, a NASCAR pit crew member’s split-second decision is making headlines across the nation.
At Dover Motor Speedway last Friday, the team members who are trained to act with lightning speed found themselves in a real-life test. One member’s swift actions potentially averted a tragedy.
“It was undoubtedly one of the most frightening experiences I’ve ever had,” shared Donovan Williams.
Footage shared by FOX NASCAR captures Williams, a tire carrier for Hendrick Motorsports, bravely attempting to halt a runaway 4,000-pound pit box that was barreling towards a gathering of people, including Fox Sports reporter Amanda Busick.
“Donovan used his body to absorb the cart’s impact,” Busick recounted. “His background as a former Division 1 athlete certainly helped. I wouldn’t have been able to withstand that cart. The situation could have turned out very differently if not for his intervention.”
Williams, who played football for the UConn Huskies, took the full force of the box, slowing its momentum, but the collision severely injured him.
“The first thing I am thinking of is about my family and my career. [I] just didn’t know the extent of the injuries. [I] just remember feeling how much pain I was in and the amount of blood. I think my body went into shock because of all the trauma,” Williams recounted. “Just extremely fortunate that her or myself were not physically harmed even worse.”
Williams was rushed to the hospital, where, once he was treated, he was paid a visit by Busick.
“That was some real trauma for the both of us, and she has been amazing, coming by to see me, check on me at the hospital, meet some of my family and my teammates,” Williams said.
“We were texting last night, and he was asking me how I was feeling, and I was like, ‘like I got hit by a football player,’” Busick said, laughing.
While Williams continues to heal, he’s got quite the story, a new appreciation for life, and a new friend.
“This was the circumstance that we met, which is kind of crazy, and we joke that next time we see each other, it will be under some normal circumstances,” Williams said.
Williams is taking it day-by-day and is working with medical and training staff to heal and get his mobility back.