Ex-NASCAR driver John Wes Townley, 31, is killed in 'domestic violence' double shooting

A former NASCAR driver has been killed in a ‘domestic violence’ double shooting that also left woman, 30, seriously injured in Georgia. 

John Wes Townley, 31, was shot just before 9pm on Saturday in the 200 block of Morton Avenue in the Five Points area of Athens.

Townley and a 30-year-old woman who was also shot were rushed to a local hospital.

The race driver driver died of his injuries, while the woman remained in a ‘serious’ condition, according to police. 

The suspect, a 32-year-old Dunwoody man, was known to the victim and there are currently no charges against him. Police have spoken to the man. 

Athens-Clarke County Police Department spokesman Lt. Shaun Barnett said that the investigation was ongoing but early indications were that it was a ‘domestic incident.’

Townley raced eight seasons and made 186 starts across the NASCAR Xfinity and Truck Series, NASCAR’s lower two national divisions.

His victory in the Truck Series at Las Vegas six years ago Sunday was the only national series win of his career.

Current NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace, who raced against Townley, tweeted: ‘Damn. Rest Easy JWT. Heartbreaking’ 

Townley drove a car owned by his father, who was a co-founder of the vehicle’s primary sponsor, fried chicken chain Zaxby’s.

Townley drove a car owned by his father, who was a co-founder of the vehicle’s primary sponsor, fried chicken chain Zaxby’s 

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