Mr Williams flew into Queenstown yesterday before making his way to the Central Motor Speedway, which for the first time hosted part of the annual DHL Southern Saloon Series.
Just days ago, Mr Williams helped Tiger Woods win the Australian Masters in Melbourne.
Mr Williams, who organises the annual saloon racing event, said Tiger Woods had other commitments and was not able to join him in New Zealand this week.
Despite his busy schedule, the champion golfer would "most definitely" return to New Zealand, Mr Williams said.
"There's no question about it. He's been here three times . . . and he loved it."
Tiger Woods played in the 2002 New Zealand Open at Paraparaumu, which was won by Australian Craig Parry.
He also drove in three stock car races at Huntly in April 2006, winning one against a field that included former All Black captain Tana Umaga; and the same month visited Queenstown.
"He [Tiger] loves racing and the last thing he said to me [after the Australian Masters] was, 'Make sure you let me know how you do'," Mr Williams said.
Last night was Mr Williams' third visit to the Cromwell track, after he raced in a similar event last year and again in the 2009 New Zealand Super Saloon championships in January.
Mr Williams said he enjoyed racing at Cromwell for its "unique" first and second corners.
"My previous experience here is the track's been great to race," he said.
Since becoming involved with speedway in 1987, Mr Williams has held the 1NZ Super Saloon title (for 2006) and has also been 3NZ in the saloon series.
He said the DHL event was the only one of its kind in the southern hemisphere, and had quickly become the most prestigious saloon racing competition in the North Island during the seven consecutive years it had been held in its current format.
In total, the competition has been going for about 10 years. This is the first time it has been hosted entirely in the South Island.
"It is the only speed week, and is modelled on the speed weeks in the [United] States. The guys that run in it love it. It's a great test for both the drivers and the crews," Mr Williams said.
The second stage will take place in Invercargill tonight, before drivers, including Mr Williams, will compete at the Island Park speedway in Dunedin tomorrow.
Racing finishes on Sunday in Blenheim after stages in Christchurch and Greymouth.
