Joe White, the recently dismissed spotter for Kaulig Racing, has addressed the fallout from the William Byron Las Vegas wreck, presenting his version of events leading up to the high-stakes crash. The accident, which shook the NASCAR community at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, became pivotal for William Byron as he raced for a Championship 4 spot, with Ty Dillon’s multiple laps down status adding complexity to the scenario.
Spotter’s Perspective on the Chain of Events
The William Byron Las Vegas wreck drew significant attention not just for its championship implications, but for the confusion that developed on the spotter stand moments before. Joe White explained that he notified Brandon Lines, William Byron’s spotter, about the No. 10 car’s intention to pit, but said the attempted communication did not have the intended effect. The high-tension moment, which happened with Ty Dillon already out of contention and William Byron running near the front, could have ended differently if misunderstandings had been avoided.
“Brandon is at the other end of the spotter stand towards Turn 1, so I was like, ‘I got to get to Brandon,’”
— Joe White, Kaulig Racing Spotter
White described hurrying across the crowded stand to reach Lines, and though he was close, he was unable to physically get his attention in time. Their brief eye contact led to an attempt by White to signal, but the message did not come through as needed.
“We made eye contact. I pointed to the bottom, twice, and mouthed the words ‘we’re pitting’ – even though I know he can’t hear and he probably can’t read my lips, but I gestured just like I would do any other person that was pitting. Obviously, that was misunderstood. He thought we were giving him the bottom, and that was not the case.”
— Joe White, Kaulig Racing Spotter
Following the incident, Kaulig Racing announced that Joe White would no longer be with the team, cutting short plans that had included finishing the Cup Series season alongside Ty Dillon and a potential role with the organization’s Truck Series program in 2026.
Impact on Joe White and Kaulig Racing’s Future
The aftermath of the William Byron Las Vegas wreck has forced quick changes for Kaulig Racing’s structure, already in the process of restructuring for future seasons. Joe White’s termination has left questions about communication protocols and spotter responsibilities under moments of extreme pressure.
White had anticipated completing the year in the Cup Series and was planning to transition to Kaulig’s developing truck team, but the Las Vegas collision and its controversial communications ended that trajectory.
Kaulig Racing’s 2026 Expansion Plans
Looking ahead, Kaulig Racing’s ambitions remain high despite recent upheaval. Earlier today, the team confirmed Butterbean Queen as the lead driver for Ram Trucks’ return to NASCAR. The 2025 ARCA Menards Series champion is set to finish the current Xfinity Series season for Kaulig, whose No. 11 car has featured a rotating lineup of drivers. This bold move is positioned within a larger context, as Kaulig could field multiple Truck teams and maintain their Cup Series program. Juggling two manufacturers and such a complex operational scope will pose considerable business challenges for the North Carolina-based organization.
Industry insiders speculate whether the Ram Trucks arrangement might eventually expand to a Dodge-branded Cup Series entry. While that remains uncertain and dependent on many factors, it is evident that Kaulig Racing is intent on growth and evolving their role within NASCAR.
Lingering Effects on the NASCAR Community
The miscommunication leading to the William Byron Las Vegas wreck has spotlighted the crucial role of clear, rapid information transfer on the spotter stand, particularly as drivers challenge for top championship positions. For William Byron, the incident affected his quest for the Championship 4; for Ty Dillon and Joe White, it altered career paths abruptly. Kaulig Racing moves ahead with ambitious changes, but the dramatic events in Las Vegas continue to spark discussion among teams, drivers, and fans about process improvements and decision-making under pressure.
