From football to NASCAR, Jonathan Willard continues to perform at a high level on pit road

The former Clemson linebacker has gone from casual NASCAR fan to a full-fledged competitor as a longtime pit crew member

ATLANTA — Jonathan Willard developed a reputation as one of the most consistent linebackers during his time at Clemson in a career that saw him lead the team in tackles during his senior season of 2012.

After two years on the Tennessee Titans practice squad, Willard retired from the game and spent two years in law enforcement before he jumped at an opportunity to work in NASCAR on pit road.

The native of Loris was working at the Mario Andretti Racing Experience, driving fans around the track, when he was eventually approached about working on pit road in NASCAR.

Willard experienced some growing pains as a rookie jackman in 2016, but he eventually became a more than solid performer in the pits, working with the likes of Trackhouse Racing and now RFK Racing. 

In his 10th year in NASCAR, Willard is currently the tire carrier for the #60 team driven by Ryan Preece.