William Sawalich Bio
William Sawalich (born October 3, 2006) is an American professional stock car racing driver. He has competed full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series driving the No. 18 Toyota GR Supra for Joe Gibbs Racing, part-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with Tricon Garage, and part-time in the ARCA Menards Series and its regional divisions. Sawalich is the 2023 and 2024 ARCA Menards Series East champion, marking him as one of the sport’s promising young talents.
Early Life and Background
William Sawalich was born in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. He began racing at the age of nine, initially competing in various midget car races and winning multiple track championships at Little Elko Speedway between 2017 and 2019. His early exposure to competitive racing laid a strong foundation for his career.
In 2020, Sawalich transitioned to legends cars, winning the INEX Young Lions State Championship in Minnesota and securing multiple top-five finishes. He also won an INEX Legends division feature race at Elko Speedway, showcasing his early potential. Sawalich is currently pursuing his education through Liberty University Online Academy.
Path to NASCAR
Sawalich advanced to late model racing in 2021, competing in the Carolina Pro Late Model Series where he finished fourth in the standings despite missing races. He earned his first late model win at Carteret County Speedway and gained experience in the CARS Tour. In 2022, he expanded his late model schedule, competing in several series including the CARS Tour and Champion Racing Association, where he secured six wins in nine CARS Tour races.
His success in late models and regional series caught the attention of Joe Gibbs Racing, leading to his signing with the team in December 2022. This opportunity allowed Sawalich to compete in the ARCA Menards Series and its East and West divisions, marking his entry into national stock car racing.
William Sawalich Career
Early Career (2015–2021)
Starting with midget and legends cars, Sawalich quickly established himself as a competitive driver in regional circuits. His 2020 INEX Young Lions State Championship and feature race wins in legends cars were key milestones. Transitioning to late models in 2021, he demonstrated consistent performance with multiple top-five finishes and a victory, setting the stage for higher-level competition.
Late Model and Regional Series Breakthrough (2021–2022)
In 2022, Sawalich dominated the CARS Tour with six wins, including a streak of four consecutive victories. He also competed in other late model series, gaining valuable experience and exposure. His performance in these series earned him the SCCA Trans-Am TA2 ProAM Series Championship and Rookie of the Year honors in 2022, highlighting his versatility and skill across different racing formats.
ARCA Menards Series and Joe Gibbs Racing Era (2023–Present)
Joining Joe Gibbs Racing in late 2022, Sawalich began competing in the ARCA Menards Series in 2023. He made an immediate impact by winning races at Berlin Raceway and Phoenix, securing nine wins and thirteen top-five finishes in fourteen ARCA main series races. His efforts contributed to Joe Gibbs Racing winning the ARCA owner’s championship.
In the ARCA Menards Series East, Sawalich won the championship in both 2023 and 2024, with multiple race victories including dominant performances at Five Flags Speedway and Nashville. He also competed part-time in the ARCA Menards Series West, capturing wins at Phoenix and Portland, including his first road course victory.
In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Sawalich debuted in 2023 with Tricon Garage, earning three top-ten finishes. He returned in 2024 with an expanded schedule, securing his first career pole at Talladega. Sawalich also began competing part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in late 2023, earning his first pole position at Phoenix and preparing for a full-time Xfinity campaign in 2025 with Joe Gibbs Racing.
Driving Style and Strengths
William Sawalich is known for his aggressive yet calculated driving style, excelling on short tracks and road courses. His ability to lead laps and manage race strategy has been evident in ARCA and late model competition. His partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing has provided strong technical support, enhancing his racecraft and consistency.
Notable Races and Milestones
Sawalich’s notable achievements include winning the All American 400 in 2023 as the youngest driver ever to do so, multiple ARCA Menards Series East championships, and his first ARCA main series win at Berlin Raceway. His pole position at Phoenix in the Xfinity Series and first Truck Series pole at Talladega mark significant milestones in his ascent through NASCAR’s ranks.
William Sawalich Career Wins
William Sawalich has accumulated numerous wins across various series, including ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East and West, and late model racing. His success at a young age underscores his potential as a future star in stock car racing.
ARCA Menards Series Highlights
Sawalich secured nine wins in the 2023 ARCA Menards Series main events, including victories at Phoenix and Berlin Raceway. He consistently finished in the top five, contributing to Joe Gibbs Racing’s owner’s championship. His ARCA East championships in 2023 and 2024 were highlighted by multiple race wins and dominant performances.
Other Wins & Performances
In late model racing, Sawalich earned six wins in the 2022 CARS Tour and won the prestigious All American 400 in 2023. He also claimed the SCCA Trans-Am TA2 ProAM Series championship in 2022, showcasing his adaptability to different racing disciplines.
William Sawalich Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
William Sawalich’s father, Brandon Sawalich, is the president of Starkey Hearing Technologies, a major sponsor of William’s racing career. Brandon is the stepson of businessman William F. Austin. This family support has been instrumental in William’s racing development and opportunities.
Personal Life
William Sawalich is unmarried and currently focuses on his racing career and education. He studies through Liberty University Online Academy and is managed by KHI Management. His dedication to balancing education and professional racing reflects his disciplined approach to his career.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, William Sawalich is set to compete full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series driving the No. 18 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing. He will also continue part-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with Tricon Garage. Early in the year, Sawalich faced challenges including a DNF at Daytona and missing races due to concussion-like symptoms. Despite setbacks, he has achieved multiple top-ten finishes and poles, demonstrating resilience and growth.
His partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing and experience gained in previous seasons position him as a strong contender for future success. The 2025 season is expected to be a critical step in Sawalich’s progression toward becoming a top-tier NASCAR driver.
