William Sawalich Bio
Early Life and Background
William Sawalich was born on October 3, 2006, in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, United States. He began his racing career at a young age, starting to race at nine years old in various midget races. His early exposure to racing included competing in Sr. Animal’s and World Formula events, where he quickly developed his skills.
Sawalich’s formative years in racing saw him winning several track championships at Little Elko Speedway from 2017 to 2019. In 2020, he transitioned to legends cars, where he won the INEX Young Lions State Championship in Minnesota, marking the beginning of his ascent in the motorsports world.
Path to NASCAR
In 2021, Sawalich made the move to late models, competing in the Carolina Pro Late Model Series. Despite missing two races, he finished fourth in the standings and secured a win at Carteret County Speedway. His performance in late models continued to improve, and in 2022, he participated in multiple series, including the CARS Tour, where he achieved six wins, four of them consecutively.
Sawalich’s success in late models led to his entry into the ARCA Menards Series in 2023, where he joined Joe Gibbs Racing. His debut was marked by a victory at Berlin Raceway, and he went on to clinch the ARCA Menards Series East championship in both 2023 and 2024.
William Sawalich Career
Early Career (2015-2022)
Sawalich’s racing career began with midget racing and progressed through various series, including legends cars and late models. His notable achievements during this period include winning multiple championships at Little Elko Speedway and the INEX Young Lions State Championship in Minnesota. He made a significant impact in late models, earning a reputation for his competitive spirit and skill.
ARCA Menards Series Breakthrough (2023-2024)
In 2023, Sawalich made his ARCA Menards Series debut, quickly establishing himself as a formidable competitor. He won his first race at Berlin Raceway, showcasing his talent by passing for the lead with just two laps remaining. Throughout the season, he secured nine wins and finished tenth in the overall points standings, contributing to Joe Gibbs Racing’s owner’s championship.
In 2024, Sawalich continued his dominance in the ARCA Menards Series East, winning three races and clinching his second consecutive championship. His ability to lead laps and perform under pressure solidified his reputation as a rising star in the sport.
NASCAR Xfinity Series and Craftsman Truck Series Era (2024-Present)
Sawalich transitioned to the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024, driving the No. 19 for Joe Gibbs Racing. He made a notable impact by scoring his first career pole at Phoenix in his third start. His performance in the series has been promising, with several top-ten finishes and a strong showing in the playoffs.
In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Sawalich debuted in 2023 with Tricon Garage. He continued to build on his experience, earning multiple top-ten finishes and showcasing his potential as a competitive driver in the series.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Sawalich is known for his aggressive driving style and strategic racecraft. His ability to adapt to different racing conditions and his keen understanding of race strategy have contributed to his success across various series. His partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing has provided him with valuable resources and mentorship.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
William Sawalich’s career is marked by significant milestones, including being the 2023 and 2024 ARCA Menards Series East champion and winning prestigious races such as the All American 400 and the SCCA Trans-Am TA2 ProAm Series Championship. His rapid ascent in the sport has made him a driver to watch in the coming years.
William Sawalich Career Wins
William Sawalich has achieved notable success across various racing series, with a total of 13 wins in the ARCA Menards Series, 7 wins in the ARCA Menards Series East, and 5 wins in the ARCA Menards Series West. His impressive record highlights his talent and determination as a race car driver.
Current NASCAR Xfinity Series Highlights
In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Sawalich has made a strong impression with his performance, including multiple top-ten finishes and a first career pole at Phoenix. His ability to compete at a high level has garnered attention as he continues to develop his skills in this highly competitive series.
Previous ARCA Menards Series Achievements
Sawalich’s achievements in the ARCA Menards Series are highlighted by his 13 wins and a strong performance throughout the seasons. His ability to consistently finish in the top five has established him as a leading driver in the series, culminating in his championship victories in 2023 and 2024.
William Sawalich Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
William Sawalich comes from a family with a notable background in business. His father, Brandon Sawalich, is the president of Starkey Hearing Technologies, a leading hearing aid manufacturer in the United States, which sponsors his racing efforts.
Personal Life
Sawalich is currently an online student at Liberty University Online Academy, balancing his education with his racing career. He is also a client of KHI Management, which supports his professional endeavors in motorsports.
2025 Season Performance
As of 2025, William Sawalich continues to compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the No. 18 Toyota GR Supra for Joe Gibbs Racing. His season began with a challenging 28th-place finish at Daytona, but he quickly rebounded with strong performances, including several top-ten finishes at key tracks such as Atlanta and Sonoma. His ability to adapt to the competitive landscape of the Xfinity Series will be crucial as he aims for a successful season and potential playoff contention. With ongoing support from his team and sponsors, Sawalich is poised to make a significant impact in the series this year.
