American driver Williams to compete in Pinty’s Series in 2017

The NASCAR Pinty’s Series — Canada’s premier stock car racing tour — will feature an American driver for the first time.

Thanks to a collaboration between two-time Pinty’s Series champion DJ Kennington Racing (DJK Racing) and Canada’s Best Race Team (CBRT), 16-year old Detroit, Michigan native Armani Williams will compete in at least six oval-track races this season.

Kennington will serve as a driver coach for Williams who will drive the #28 car for CBRT. DJK Racing will provide technical insight and assist with race car preparations for each race weekend. It’s a partnership everyone is excited about.

“Our team has had success providing good race cars for people to drive, we have the best guys in our group,” said Kennington. “And with Armani moving up to the Pinty’s Series they were interested in some one on one coaching to help him with the learning process and things fell into place.”

Kennington plans to use his experience and knowledge to help Williams, who participated in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity combine last fall. He didn’t want to miss the opportunity to race in one of NASCAR’s most competitive series.

“Whenever I was moving into a new series I always tried to talk to veteran drivers to get up to speed as quick as I can,” stated Kennington. “Now I’m able to share the knowledge that was passed along to me with others”.

Williams brings impressive credentials to this new partnership. He began competitive Karting at eight, then progressed quickly up the ranks in the Midwest. He became the 2014 New Paris Indiana Champion and the 2015 Diamond Products Champion in the Supercup Series. In 2016, Armani competed in the ARCA Truck Series in addition to participating in the NASCAR combine.

Williams also brings a unique characteristic with him as he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) when he was two-years-old. He hopes by following his dream of competing in NASCAR he can inspire and mentor others to do the same and educating others about autism.

CBRT General Manager Joey McColm is excited about the opportunities of bringing all parties together.

“In addition to Armani driving for us we’ll be working with him on a number of off track marketing partnerships,” McColm said. “ That’s a real strength for our team and I think it’s going to be a very busy and productive year for all of us.”

McColm added the initial plan is to field an entry for Williams at oval races at Wyant Group Raceway, Deleware Speedway, Riverside International Speedway, Autodrome St. Eustache, and Kawartha Speedway.

“I’ll spot for Armani in races and between DJ’s experience and our team we feel we can give Armani a great opportunity to gain valuable seat time and experience this season in the NASCAR Pinty’s Series,” McColm added.

Williams’ first race will be the Velocity Prairie Thunder Twin 100s presented by Bayer at Wyant Group Raceway on July 26.