William Sawalich Bio
Early Life and Background
William Sawalich was born on October 3, 2006, in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA. Growing up in a region with a rich racing culture, he was exposed to motorsports at an early age. Sawalich began racing at the age of nine, participating in various midget races, including Sr. Animal’s and World Formula. His early experiences on the track laid the foundation for a promising career in stock car racing.
Sawalich’s formative years included competing at Little Elko Speedway, where he won several track championships from 2017 to 2019. In 2020, he transitioned to legends cars, winning the INEX Young Lions State Championship in Minnesota and achieving multiple top finishes in his races. His education includes attending Liberty University Online Academy, which allows him to balance his racing career with academic pursuits.
Path to NASCAR
Sawalich made the leap to late models in 2021, competing in the Carolina Pro Late Model Series. Despite missing two races, he finished fourth in the standings, securing one victory at Carteret County Speedway. His performance in late models continued to improve, and in 2022, he expanded his schedule to include the CARS Tour, where he achieved remarkable success with six wins, four of which came consecutively.
His transition to the ARCA Menards Series began in December 2022 when he joined Joe Gibbs Racing. Sawalich made an immediate impact, winning his first ARCA race at Berlin Raceway in 2023. His success in the series led to him clinching the ARCA Menards Series East championship in both 2023 and 2024, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in NASCAR.
William Sawalich Career
Early Career (2015-2021)
Sawalich’s racing career began in the midget series, where he quickly showcased his talent. He earned several championships at Little Elko Speedway, which helped him gain recognition in the racing community. His move to legends cars in 2020 marked a significant step forward, as he not only won the state championship but also demonstrated his potential by winning feature races.
In 2021, he transitioned to late models, where he continued to build on his success. His performances in the CARS Tour and other late model events set the stage for his entry into the ARCA Menards Series, where he would further establish himself as a formidable competitor.
ARCA Menards Series Breakthrough (2023-2024)
Sawalich made his ARCA Menards Series debut in 2023, winning the pole position and finishing thirteenth in his first race at Phoenix. He quickly found success, earning his first win at Berlin Raceway after a thrilling battle for the lead. Over the course of the season, he secured nine victories and finished tenth in the points standings, contributing to Joe Gibbs Racing’s owner’s championship.
In 2024, Sawalich continued his dominance in the ARCA Menards Series East, winning three races and clinching his second consecutive championship. His consistent performances and ability to lead laps showcased his growth as a driver and solidified his status as one of the top talents in the series.
NASCAR Xfinity Series and Craftsman Truck Series Era (2024-Present)
In December 2023, it was announced that Sawalich would compete part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for Joe Gibbs Racing in 2024. He made his debut in the final three races of the season, starting with a strong performance at Homestead. His first career pole came at Phoenix, where he demonstrated his potential in the competitive series.
Sawalich also joined Tricon Garage for a part-time schedule in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, making his debut at Martinsville Speedway in 2023. His continued development in both series positions him as a driver to watch in the coming years.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Sawalich is known for his aggressive driving style and ability to adapt to various racing conditions. His experience in multiple series has honed his skills, making him a versatile competitor. He excels in short-track racing and has demonstrated a keen understanding of race strategy, often leading laps and securing strong finishes.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Sawalich’s career is marked by several significant achievements, including winning the ARCA Menards Series East championships in 2023 and 2024. His victory at the All American 400 in 2023 made him the youngest driver to win the prestigious race, further highlighting his talent and potential in the sport.
William Sawalich Career Wins
William Sawalich has achieved notable success across various racing series, with a total of 13 wins in the ARCA Menards Series, 7 wins in the ARCA Menards Series East, and 5 wins in the ARCA Menards Series West. His accomplishments in late models and other series further demonstrate his racing prowess.
Current NASCAR Xfinity Series Highlights
As of 2025, Sawalich has begun to establish himself in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, earning his first career pole at Phoenix and competing in multiple races. His performances have shown promise, with several top finishes and a growing fan base.
Previous ARCA Menards Series Achievements
In the ARCA Menards Series, Sawalich secured 9 wins in 2023, contributing to his championship run. He continued to excel in the ARCA Menards Series East, where he won 3 races in 2024, solidifying his position as a top contender in the series.
William Sawalich Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
William Sawalich’s father, Brandon Sawalich, is the president of Starkey Hearing Technologies, a leading hearing aid manufacturer in the United States. Starkey has been a significant sponsor of William’s racing efforts, providing support as he progresses in his career.
Personal Life
Sawalich is currently an online student at Liberty University Online Academy, balancing his academic responsibilities with his racing career. He is also a client of KHI Management, which helps manage his professional endeavors in motorsports.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a pivotal year for William Sawalich as he transitions to a full-time role in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Despite a challenging start with a DNF at Daytona, he has shown resilience, achieving multiple top-ten finishes throughout the season. His performance at tracks like Atlanta, COTA, and Sonoma has highlighted his potential as a competitive driver in the series. As the season progresses, Sawalich aims to build on his early results and continue his development within the NASCAR ranks.
