After starting racing two years ago, Nathan Williams has found early consistency in the Young Lions Division, and with Joe Ryan Racecars. With the Cook Out Summer Shootout approaching, he is looking to get his first win and also compete for the INEX North Carolina State Championship this year.
Hometown: Ash, NC
Number: 117
Team: Joe Ryan Racecars
Division: Young Lions
Favorite Track: Florence Motor Speedway
1. How did you get your start in racing?
My dad used to race dirt street stocks and dirt modifieds when I was five. I had been begging for years to come to race, and when I was 12, I got started with Joe Ryan.
2. How did you get your number?
We showed up to Joe’s shop for the first time, and he was asking what number I wanted to drive. I wanted 17 but we had Hudson Bulger at the time, so we didn’t want to have two number 17 cars running. He wanted me to drive the number 5, but I wanted to stay 17. My dad drove the 11 and my mom is a big Denny Hamlin fan, so we but a little 1 in front of the 17 to make it the 117.
3. Who is your biggest inspiration?
I try to be like Tony Stewart. I like the way he drives, and he races people the way they race him. Kyle Busch as well; he was a big inspiration.
4. You have been running with INEX for two years now. How do you feel you have improved over that time, and how has that helped you to become a competitive driver?
I’m definitely surprised at how much I’ve developed. When I ran my first race at Florence, I was running in the back of the pack and wasn’t expecting to improve this much. Last year at the shootout, we were leading and almost got my first win. I am really glad that Joe Ryan Racecars have been able to help me this much and keep me in the front of the pack looking to get my first win.
5. What is your favorite racing memory?
Dominion Road Course World Finals in the rain. I made a bet with my crew chief for the week. I am not a big road course guy, so I made a bet with him that if I finished in the Top 3, I would get to drive his dirt Legend Car. We finished P5 but two drivers in front of me got DQ’d. That was really funny and I enjoy having him as my crew chief.
6. You run with Joe Ryan Racecars, what is that experience like?
It’s been awesome. We bring a lot of cars that gives me a lot of examples of different driving styles. All the connections that Joe has helps me out. We are all great friends on the team and that helps me a lot.
7. How do you measure success while racing?
Everyone wants to win; that’s the goal at the end of the day. Trying to stay consistent, the area of Top 5 or Top 10.
8. The Cook Out Summer Shootout is about to start this summer, what are your expectations for competing in it? How do you feel it will help you grow as a driver?
My expectation is to go out and run in the top 5 consistently and hopefully get some wins as well. Last year was my first time out there and leading, but with the shootout, you never know what’s going to happen, it’s a lot of chaos and it’s so fun to be out there.
9. What is your favorite track?
Florence Motor Speedway, it’s the first track that I raced at and I have had success there.
10. What are your racing goals for 2026?
Keep being consistent and getting Top 5 finishes. I am hoping for the state championship, and I would love to try and get the national championship, but knowing this is my second-year racing, the state championship would be really cool to get.
11. If you could race at any track in the world, what would it be?
Legend Cars at North Wilkesboro would be really cool to do.
12. What's the biggest lesson that racing has taught you in life?
Never give up. I have my days where I can’t get the car to do what I want during qualifying. I remember in Nashville, I started p20 and finished p4. Never give up and see what you can do in the future.
13. What are some of your hobbies outside of racing?
I have my own garage, and I love rebuilding cars in my free time. I am rebuilding a 1987 Ford Ranger at the moment. I also like going fishing, riding my four-wheeler, and hanging out with my friends.