NASCAR Xfinity Series rising star William Sawalich will not compete this week at Martinsville Speedway. The rookie who drives the No. 18 Toyota with Joe Gibbs Racing is off because he has a concussion. The issue arose following a rough collision at Talladega Superspeedway.
The accident brought the race to a halt. William was taken to the hospital, where he was examined and sent back home that night. Joe Gibbs Racing affirmed that William will miss the Martinsville race.
“My Health Comes First,” Says William Sawalich
“I’m disappointed to not be in the car this weekend, but my health is my number one priority. 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 as soon as possible, William shared on X.”
That means William Sawalich is following every step the NASCAR doctors require before he can race again. NASCAR uses special concussion tests like SCAT-3 and has doctors from the American Medical Response (AMR) team ready at each track. These new safety rules started in 2017 to make sure no driver returns before they’re fully ready.
Fans quickly showed their love online. One fan named Edzilla wrote, “We can all thank @DaleJr for bringing such awareness to this. If not, these drivers would feel obligated to get back in the car no matter what. I am so happy you are on the road to recovery and doing what is right. You’ll be back and better than ever soon enough.”
A New Driver for Martinsville
Since William can’t race, Joe Gibbs Racing chose Justin Bonsignore to step in. He’s a four-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion and has already raced seven times this season for the team. They trust him to handle the No. 18 Toyota at Martinsville.
“William Sawalich 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, Justin Bonsignore will drive the No. 18 Toyota GR Supra this weekend, Joe Gibbs Racing said in a post.”
Even though William won’t be there, many fans believe he made the right choice by putting health before racing.
Sawalich Focuses on Recovery After a Strong Rookie Season
William had a successful rookie season before the crash. He has finished in the top five three times and the top ten nine times. It is difficult not to miss any race, and this proves that the new health and safety regulations by NASCAR provide great protection to drivers.
A lot has changed since 2014 in the sport. Helmets are stronger. Cars are safer. Medical help is faster. Nowadays, all motorists understand that rest is the way to improve and then race once again.
In this case, William now works hand-in-hand with Dr. Steven Collins at UPMC, the very doctor who provided a concussed Dale Earnhardt Jr with the aid he needed to recover in 2012. No particular date has been set for his return.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post “My Health Comes First”: William Sawalich Breaks Silence After Talladega Wreck appeared first on Heavy Sports.