William Sawalich, Joe Gibbs Racing’s rising star, will not be able to make it to the NASCAR Xfinity finale at Phoenix Raceway. The rookie, only 19 years of age, in a touching video, announced that he is still suffering from concussion-like symptoms and hence is unable to participate in the multi-car crash at Talladega Superspeedway on October 18, 2025.
The fiery crash happened during the Round of 8 playoff race when Leland Honeyman got the ball rolling by hitting a spot that caused the chain of reaction involving Sawalich, Connor Zilisch, Connor Mosack, Jeb Burton, and Dean Thompson. After Sawalich’s car took the brunt of the impact, he was immediately checked by medical personnel.
Later, he was taken to a local hospital and released at around 2 a.m. local time, which, at first, gave a good impression of his condition. However, in the following days, he started to have concussion-like symptoms and thus has been put on the sidelines by doctors in Martinsville, the race on October 25, and now, the season finale at Phoenix.
William Sawalich’s Tough Call: Choosing Health Over Racing
In a message posted to social media, Sawalich spoke directly to fans about the decision:
“Hey, I just wanted to get on here and say that unfortunately I’m not medically cleared for Phoenix this weekend. I’d love to be in the car and drive for my guys, but as much as it sucks to see my car on track without me in it, I need to take care of my health and make that my number one priority so I can be ready for next year.”
For a young driver in the middle of his first full Xfinity campaign, it’s a painful but smart choice. Sawalich has shown steady improvement throughout 2025, often running competitively against more seasoned veterans. His absence from back-to-back races underscores how unpredictable motorsports can be and how fragile momentum becomes when health is at stake.
Justin Bonsignore Steps In for Phoenix Finale
Once again, veteran driver Justin Bonsignore will step in for Sawalich at Phoenix, as he did at Martinsville.
The change also reflects the depth and the flexibility of Joe Gibbs Racing. The team is still able to present strong challenges even in a sudden situation, which is proof of the organization’s power and its radicality in prioritizing driver safety rather than sacrificing it for a few more gains.
Eyes on 2026: A Comeback in the Making
The NASCAR Xfinity finale at Phoenix Raceway on November 1, 2025, will be the decider of who the season’s champion will be among the top contenders.
However, Sawalich has already moved his focus to 2026. Fully healthy, he is anticipated to return and go after a full-time campaign, most probably with Joe Gibbs Racing, where his rookie progression and will to work have been a source of both the fans’ and the analysts’ amazement.
During Sawalich’s healing period, he has been mature enough to put his health before any rush. It’s the kind of setback that can often produce champions, and so when he comes back, it won’t be just with power but also with wisdom.
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