William Sawalich made history at the 39th running of the Curb Records/Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers All America 400 at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway on Sunday. At just 17 years old, Sawalich became the youngest winner in the race’s history, surpassing NASCAR Cup Series champion Chase Elliott’s record set in 2013 by one month. Fellow NASCAR driver Joe Hunter Nemechek previously held the record in 2014, winning four months after turning 17.
The Minnesota native outpaced his competitors, finishing 5.070 seconds ahead of Derek Thorn in the 300-lap race, which marked the finale of the American Speed Association Stars national tour. The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of approximately 5,000 fans.
Sawalich’s victory was a remarkable achievement, considering he started the race from the back of the top 10. His path to victory was paved by a significant crash on a restart that involved six cars, including leaders Bubba Pollard, Stephen Nasse, and Jeremy Doss. The crash, triggered by a trail of fluid left on the track due to Cole Butcher’s damaged front end, reshuffled the leaderboard. Sawalich seized the opportunity, taking the lead following the restart after the crash and maintaining it for the remaining 88 laps. His performance secured the win for Donnie Wilson Motorsports, marking a memorable moment in his racing career.
Reflecting on his victory, Sawalich expressed his gratitude and relief, especially considering his misfortune in the previous year’s All America 400, where he led for 50 laps before getting caught in a late-race three-car accident. This time, he emerged unscathed from the multi-car crash, allowing him to clinch the victory.
Sawalich’s triumph was not isolated, as he was coming off a recent ARCA Menards West win at Phoenix Raceway, showcasing his consistent performance on the track.
Local drivers also participated in the race, including Hunter Wright from Mt. Juliet, who finished 17th, and Jackson Boone from Franklin, who unfortunately experienced a setback when he broke a rear axle on lap 96.
The race marked the final event of the 2023 season at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, leaving fans and participants eagerly anticipating the next racing season. Sawalich’s historic win added an exciting chapter to the track’s legacy, making it a race to remember.
ALSO READ: John Hunter Nemechek Championship Quest: Navigating Bristol and Beyond
