Dale Earnhardt Jr. praises young driver William Sawalich following his impressive top-five finish at Sonoma Raceway on Saturday, spotlighting a significant milestone in Sawalich’s rookie NASCAR Xfinity Series season. The attention came during a race where JR Motorsports dominated, yet Earnhardt Jr. recognized the standout effort from Sawalich, who competes for Joe Gibbs Racing.
Sawalich Grabs Attention Amid JR Motorsports Sweep
On a day when JR Motorsports secured the leading positions in the Xfinity Series race at Sonoma Raceway, it was 18-year-old William Sawalich who drew glowing remarks from NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Jr. While Connor Zilisch took the checkered flag ahead of teammate Shane van Gisbergen, and the remainder of the JR Motorsports team filled the top ten, Earnhardt Jr.’s focus widened beyond his own drivers.
Sawalich, competing in his rookie year with Joe Gibbs Racing, ended a challenging run by finishing in the top five for the first time this season. As Zilisch and van Gisbergen extended their lead at the front of the field, Sawalich seized the opportunity in his Starkey Soundgear Toyota Supra, closing out the race more than four seconds ahead of other competitors and securing his personal best finish in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Applauds Sawalich’s Breakthrough
Dale Earnhardt Jr. turned to social media to share his thoughts on Sawalich’s performance, underscoring the significance of this result for the young driver after a tough start to the year.
“Good run by @WilliamSawalich today. It’s been a very tough introduction to this level for him this year but runs like today help add confidence.”
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr)
This commendation spoke to Sawalich’s persistence through adversity. Across nineteen starts this season, the Minnesota native had collected just one pole position and four top-ten finishes, but also endured seven disappointing DNFs. Saturday’s race, therefore, marked a major turning point in his campaign.
Sawalich Reflects on His Sonoma Performance
Following the Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 at Sonoma, Sawalich discussed his experience during his best Xfinity Series run yet.
“Yeah, it was a good day,”
he said.
“We had the speed to run third all day, but the front two were in a league of their own. We had speed to run with them for about ten laps, but after that, they just kind of slowly started creeping away. The Starkey Soundgear Toyota Supra was really good today.”
— William Sawalich, Driver
This result brought Sawalich a surge of confidence at a crucial point in the season, with the playoff picture tightening and young drivers fighting to make an impression. His composure throughout the event, in the wake of early season frustrations, signaled growth and adaptation at the national level.
Weekend Successes Boost Rookie Credentials
Sawalich’s momentum at Sonoma was fueled by an earlier victory in the ARCA Menards Series West, where he triumphed in the General Tire 200. In that race, Sawalich claimed his 24th ARCA National Series win, edging out notable competitors Christian Eckes and Alon Day in a thrilling three-way finish. This set a positive tone and provided additional validation of his potential across racing’s developmental series.
His strong outings over the weekend not only built buzz within the Joe Gibbs Racing garage but also prompted figures like Earnhardt Jr. and others in the NASCAR paddock to take note of his resilience and skill as he transitions from a series of setbacks to high-profile achievements.
What the Sonoma Breakthrough Means Looking Forward
The top-five finish at Sonoma Raceway anchors William Sawalich’s rookie season with JR Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing and signals a turning point as the series heads toward the playoffs. Having caught the attention of respected figures like Earnhardt Jr., Sawalich is now poised to build on this progress, aiming for greater consistency and further success as he navigates the remainder of the NASCAR calendar.
With energy in the Joe Gibbs Racing team and support from key industry leaders, Sawalich’s development will be closely watched in the coming weeks, as he seeks to convert his rookie lessons and newfound momentum into more top-tier results in one of motorsport’s most competitive arenas.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Dale Earnhardt Jr. a billionaire?
A. In 2025, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s estimated net worth is about $300 million. His earnings include income from his successful NASCAR driving career and his job as a broadcaster. He continues to earn money through endorsements, owning a team, and various partnerships, which have increased his influence.
Q. Who is the richest guy in NASCAR? Dale Earnhardt Jr. is the richest guy in NASCAR with an estimated net worth of $300 million.
A. Who has the most money in NASCAR?
Q. Did Dale Earnhardt Jr. retire?
A. After he stopped racing full-time in NASCAR, he joined NBC as a color commentator in 2018. When his NBC contract ended after the 2023 season, he moved to work with Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports. This change was part of NASCAR’s new TV agreement, which started in 2025.
