Tragedy in Texas-Driver of David Gilliland Racing Hauler Dies in Fiery Crash


The racing world was again reminded of how fragile life is yesterday after a fiery crash along a Texas interstate left one of our own dead. Steven Stotts, a hauler driver for David Gilliland Racing was pronounced dead at the scene after the hauler he was piloting was involved in an accident with another vehicle. The crash also injured two passengers in the hauler, John Zaverl and Michelle Mizzelle, who both escaped serious injury. The driver of the vehicle that the hauler struck was also said to be in stable condition. 


The Texas Highway Patrol released the preliminary results of an investigation into the crash in a statement yesterday. Investigators believe the accident occurred when Stotts struck the second vehicle, a Honda Pilot also towing a small trailer, from behind, causing it to roll onto its side before coming to a stop in the center median. The report goes on to say that the hauler also veered into the median, striking the concrete barrier and immediately caught fire. THP reports indicate that speed was likely a factor, and road conditions were dry. 


David Gilliland Racing released a statement Tuesday confirming the death of Stotts, saying that they "were deeply saddened," and were "sending sympathies to Stotts' family and friends." The statement went on to say that the two passengers in the hauler (Zaverl and Mizzelle) had been treated and released from a local hospital. Representatives for DGR also added that they were thinking of the driver of the other vehicle involved in the crash. 


Stotts and his passengers were on their way to Phoenix to deliver Tanner Gray's ARCA series car to the racetrack in anticipation of Friday's race. In another statement issued Tuesday, DGR advised that they were unsure if they were going to be able to field a car for Gray. 


David Gilliland Racing is owned by former NASCAR Cup Series driver David Gilliland. Steven Stotts was 54. 


Tragedy in Texas-Driver of David Gilliland Racing Hauler Dies in Fiery Crash Tragedy in Texas-Driver of David Gilliland Racing Hauler Dies in Fiery Crash Reviewed by Stephanie Stuart-Landrey on Thursday, March 10, 2022 Rating: 5