Josh Williams announces he will not return as spotter for Ryan Blaney in 2024

After winning a NASCAR Cup Series championship, Josh Williams will not return as spotter for Ryan Blaney and the No. 12 Team Penske team. Williams announced the news himself today as the 2024 season gets closer. He will likely be moving on to a new team next year.

When you win a championship, many times you want that team to remain together. However, there are decisions that aren’t up to teams. Williams is moving on after climbing the mountain with Ryan Blaney and Penske. Now, he’s onto new things.

“Last [week’s] NASCAR banquet was my last call as spotter for the 12 team and Team Penske,” Williams tweeted. “After 9 years it was time to personally and professionally make a change for myself and my family. I’m forever grateful to everyone I’ve gotten to work with at [Penske], especially those that have become lifelong friends.

“I’m proud knowing the last 6 races were it and going out with a Talladega win, a Martinsville clock, and capping it off with a Cup Series Championship. We couldn’t have finished it off any better.

“I’m really excited for what the future has in store and looking forward to sharing those plans soon. I can’t wait to get to the coliseum!”

Last weeks NASCAR banquet was my last call as spotter for the 12 team and Team Penske. After 9 years it was time to personally and professionally make a change for myself and my family. Im forever grateful to everyone I’ve gotten to work with at TP, especially those that have… pic.twitter.com/ELtV7aRpjS

— Josh Williams (@joshtwilliams) December 4, 2023

What a way to end his time at Team Penske. Ryan Blaney will now look for a new spotter in 2024.

Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott in the market for a new spotter

The thing is, Ryan Blaney isn’t the only champion looking for a new spotter. It was just announced over the weekend that Eddie D’Hondt would not return to Hendrick Motorsports to spot for Chase Elliott.

Now, how funny would it be for these two drivers to switch spotters? While I don’t believe that is what is going on here, it is interesting, to say the least. Spotters are important to team cohesiveness and of course, how they race on Sundays.

Having a spotter you trust, one who knows you well and can keep you calm in a race – drivers think about all of that when considering who to have in their ear. Some drivers have to shop around during the season, others find what works and roll with it.

Josh Williams is out and Ryan Blaney is looking for a new man in the stand. Williams was the spotter for Zane Smith in the Truck Series, perhaps he’s headed to that Spire/Trackhouse car that Smith will drive next year.

It will be interesting who Team Penske finds to join their reigning champion in 2024. Teams would rather keep everything together after a championship run, but you can’t always get what you want.

Is there a spotter out there that you think would fit in well with Blaney?