Former NASCAR driver Townley killed in Georgia shooting
Posted Oct 3, 2021 03:06:47 PM.
Last Updated Oct 3, 2021 03:11:10 PM.
ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — A former driver in NCASCAR’s lower divisions was killed Saturday in a shooting in Georgia that also wounded a woman, investigators said.
John Wes Townley, 31, died in the shooting in a neighborhood around 9 p.m., Athens-Clarke County Coroner Sonny Wilson told the Athens Banner-Herald.
A 30-year-old woman was hurt, but police didn’t give details about her injuries.
Police have spoken to the shooter, who knew the victims. The shooting appeared to be related to domestic violence, Athens-Clarke County Police Lt. Shaun Barnett said.
No charges have been filed and the investigation continues, Barnett said.
Townley raced eight seasons and made 186 starts across the NASCAR Xfinity and Truck Series. His victory in the Truck Series at Las Vegas six years ago Sunday was the only national series win of his career.
Townley drove a car owned by his father, who was a co-founder of the vehicle’s primarily sponsor restaurant chain Zaxby’s.
The Associated Press
