Armani Williams: The First Autistic NASCAR Driver
Twenty-year-old Michigan native Armani Williams was diagnosed with autism when he was two and considered non-verbal at the time. He recounts the pain and struggle of not being able to connect with other children and how after his parents disclosed his diagnosis, it all made sense. At this tender age, he gained new clarity and determination that he would not be defined by his label.
But his future seemed clouded. His parents didn’t know if he would ever ride a bike, much less drive a car. Enter the power of autism special interests. While other kids tuned into cartoons, Armani was enthralled by watching car racing. When he was eight-years-old, Armani began competing in go-kart racing, then quickly progressed to professional series. He raced in the ARCA Truck Pro Series in 2016 breaking records by becoming the highest finishing African American in a series race and the highest finishing African American in the series championship.
Shortly thereafter Armani was invited to compete in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine and did so the following year as well. In 2017 he graduated to a higher level of competition by participating in the former NASCAR Canadian Tiresn Series now the NASCAR Pinty’s Series of Canada.
Momentously, September 22nd, 2018 saw Armani earn his first top 10 finish in just his 8th start in a NASCAR Sanctioned race event, finishing 9th at New Hampshire Motor Speedway for Simone’ Autosport’. He is headed for the highest eschalons of his sport.
One would think that the sensory and cognitive challenges of autism would have precluded Armani’s career, but he credits his autism with a hyper ability to focus, instrumental to racing.
When not on the track, Armani concentrated on learning as much as he could about autism and became more forthcoming about his own diagnosis. After racing events, ASD children and their parents would flock to him and he soon realized and happily accepted his identity as a role model.
In his own words he expressed, “I had to make a big impact to raise awareness and to give hope to millions of individuals, families and kids that have autism. I want to help inspire them to never let autism back you down from what you want to do in life. Never let autism get to you — work hard, have the right support system and believe in yourself.”
In 2015, Armani and his family established the Armani Williams Race 4 Autism Foundation, expanding his commitment to help individuals with autism fulfill their dreams. Public speaking engagements and personal appearances now punctuate his busy life.
NASCAR racing has never seen an autistic individual on a fast track to the top. They are also largely bereft of African American drivers. The intersectionality of disability and race in Armani Williams’ life make him a truly historic figure. That he embraces his platform makes him heroic.