William Sawalich, a contender for 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year, will not participate in this weekend’s NASCAR Xfinity Series Martinsville Playoff Race after experiencing symptoms consistent with a concussion. The decision comes after a significant crash occurred during the previous race at Talladega Superspeedway, leading to his removal for medical reasons.
“Joe Gibbs Racing announced today that @WilliamSawalich will miss Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Martinsville Speedway after experiencing concussion-like symptoms following his accident during last Saturday’s race at Talladega Superspeedway. In his absence,…” — Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing) October 22, 2025
Details of the Incident at Talladega and Immediate Aftermath
During the Talladega Superspeedway race, Sawalich was positioned 17th on lap 45 when another car, driven by Leland Honeyman, received contact that caused Connor Mosack to veer back across the track. This chain reaction sent Mosack toward the outside wall, resulting in Sawalich’s involvement in the crash. The impact prompted immediate medical evaluation; Sawalich was taken initially to the infield care center at the track and then transferred to UAB Hospital for thorough assessment. He was released from care early Sunday morning, after which he expressed gratitude for the support received and shared on social media that he was “feeling better.” At that time, Sawalich had been expected to compete in the upcoming Martinsville event.
Justin Bonsignore Set to Step In for Sawalich at Martinsville
With Sawalich unable to compete, Joe Gibbs Racing has chosen Justin Bonsignore as his temporary replacement for the Martinsville race. Bonsignore, who has an impressive record as a four-time champion on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, is no stranger to JGR’s part-time No. 19 car, having participated in nine races this year and recording his top finish at 12th in Iowa. His experience at Martinsville is notable as well, highlighted by a Modified Tour victory at the same track in October of the previous year. Bonsignore’s involvement helps maintain stability for the team during Sawalich’s recovery period.
Impact on Sawalich’s Season and Career Trajectory
This incident comes at a pivotal time for Sawalich, who was beginning to show marked improvement in his rookie season. Though he started the year with an average race finish of 23.8 over the first 17 races, his results improved significantly to an average finish of 13.1 over the last 15 events. Missing a key playoff race at Martinsville may slow the momentum of his upward trajectory, but Sawalich’s resilience throughout the season is evident and could provide a strong foundation for his continued progress in 2025. Joe Gibbs Racing, NASCAR, and fans will be watching closely to see how both Sawalich’s recovery and Bonsignore’s substitute performance shape the remainder of the Xfinity Series campaign.
Joe Gibbs Racing announced today that @WilliamSawalich will miss Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Martinsville Speedway after experiencing concussion-like symptoms following his accident during last Saturday’s race at Talladega Superspeedway.
In his absence,…
— Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing) October 22, 2025
Contact in the pack!
There's damage to @ConnorZilisch's car! pic.twitter.com/GUKBqaJmR9
— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) October 18, 2025
Appreciate all the messages and calls last night. Finally made it back home from Talladega — a little sore, but feeling better and thankful for all the support. Grateful for my team, the racing community, the NASCAR medical staff, nurses and doctors at UAB Hospital, friends and…
— William Sawalich (@WilliamSawalich) October 19, 2025
