William Sawalich is poised to take his racing aspirations to the next level in 2024. The young driver confirmed his plans to expand his racing calendar to include part-time slots in both the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the Craftsman Truck Series.
"Next year we’ll be doing the same thing except for when I turn 18, I’ll do a few [NASCAR] Xfinity [Series] races at the end of that year," said Sawalich. This significant expansion is particularly noteworthy as he will be celebrating his 18th birthday on October 3, 2024, making him eligible to drive in Xfinity events toward the close of the season.
Sawalich, who hails from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, is currently part of Joe Gibbs Racing, a team that fields three entries in the Xfinity Series. While the specifics regarding Sawalich's car number, sponsors, and crew chief are still in the works, there remains considerable anticipation surrounding his entry into this prestigious series.
Additionally, Sawalich intends to broaden his involvement in the Craftsman Truck Series, aiming to gain increased exposure on the racing circuit. "It would be nice just to get some more exposure," he explained, emphasizing the importance of experience in his development as a driver.
In 2023, Sawalich made a notable impression by competing in two Truck races, achieving a career-best finish of ninth in his debut at Martinsville Speedway. His trajectory in racing continues to rise, as he also plans to contest part-time in the ARCA Menards Series while running a second full-time season in the ARCA Menards Series East.
Throughout his first year in ARCA competition, Sawalich has proven himself as a formidable competitor. He has secured three wins, nine top-five finishes, and five poles across the series’ multiple divisions, placing him at the top of the East standings. Currently, he sits 12th in the main series points, despite having only contested half the races this season.
A noteworthy aspect of Sawalich's career is his three-year deal with Joe Gibbs Racing, which is an uncommon arrangement for a driver so early in their development. This long-term commitment offers both stability and potential, but Sawalich maintains a focused mindset without succumbing to any pressure.
“I still feel the pressure to show my talent the best that I can and I always go out there and do the best I can no matter what,” said Sawalich. His competitive spirit shines through as he prioritizes winning above all else, stating, “No matter if there is a deal on the line or not, I’m just going to try to go out there and try to win.”
As he navigates these exciting opportunities, Sawalich's ambition signals a promising future in the world of motorsport. With plans for a more extensive racing schedule and unwavering determination to showcase his skills, the next few years could prove pivotal in his burgeoning career. Sawalich’s growth as a driver, combined with critical support from Joe Gibbs Racing, sets the stage for a bright future in NASCAR.