19-year-old William Sawalich is currently competing in his rookie season as NASCAR Xfinity Series driver, but he will not take part in this weekend's race at Martinsville Speedway. He sits 17th in the championship standings, and hasn't missed a race all year.
Unfortunately, on Lap 46 at Talladega Superspeedway, he was involved in a six-car crash at the entrance of Turn 1, which caused a ten-minute red flag. As cars collided in front of him, Sawalich remained close to the outside wall as he tried to find a way through the chaos. Unfortunately, Connor Mosack’s car spun up the track, and Sawalich hit him in a high-speed impact that resulted in a red flag. He finished 30th, recording his ninth DNF of the 2025 season. He started the race from the outside of the front row.
While awake and alert, the rookie driver was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. He was discharged several hours later, but the team now confirms that he is experiencing concussion-like symptoms after the crash.
"I’m disappointed to not be in the car this weekend, but my health is my number one priority," said Sawalich in a statement. "I’m feeling better every day and working with Dr. Collins at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and NASCAR to go through their concussion protocol to return to the track as soon as possible."
Justin Bonsignore will take his place behind the wheel of the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota this weekend.
Bonsignore was originally going to drive the No. 19 at Martinsville, but swapped out with Aric Almirola as the car is set to take part in the Championship 4 next weekend.
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