[autotag]William Sawalich[/autotag] may not be the most well-known competitor to some in the NASCAR world but it is time to recognize the Joe Gibbs Racing driver. Sawalich has been all over the map in 2023 with starts in the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Truck Series; however, the young driver clinched a championship at only 16 years old at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Not only did Sawalich win his first ARCA Menards East Series championship, but he also won his third ARCA Menards Series race of the 2023 season in only his 11th start. In fact, if Sawalich was a full-time driver in the main ARCA series, he would have the best average finishing position, even over points leader Jesse Love.
Needless to say, Sawalich is a rare talent and one that is poised to make noise in NASCAR for a long time. The Minnesota native has also run in select Truck Series races during the 2023 season and it has been a major success. At only 16 years old, Sawalich finished in ninth place on his debut at Martinsville Speedway. He has three top-10 finishes in six starts.
What a night for @WilliamSawalich!
He wins at @ItsBristolBaby to wrap up his first ARCA Menards Series East championship.#Bristol200 | @FS1 pic.twitter.com/8FML11qZdj
— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) September 15, 2023
Sure, Sawalich has experienced some rough moments in the Truck Series but this should be expected for a driver at his age. If the driver of the No. 1 truck for TRICON Garage was racing the entire season, he would be on pace for 10 top-10 finishes through 20 races, which would rank 10th overall. It has been a great season for Sawalich but it represents the beginning.
The first time that Sawalich will be able to compete in one of NASCAR’s top 3 levels on a full-time basis is in 2025. There won’t be a massive jump to full-time competition in the Xfinity or Truck Series next year because it is not possible but it gives him more time to develop as a race car driver. If Sawalich is taking ARCA by storm now, just wait until next year.
Sawalich may be the most talented driver that no one is talking about and that is OK for now. Many wait until a driver makes it to the Xfinity or Truck Series to make a determination. However, this is going to translate and Sawalich is a driver that people need to start watching now because he could represent the future of NASCAR if he continues to grow as a competitor.
[lawrence-related id=1720]