JGR driver William Sawalich reflects after not getting “medically cleared” for the Phoenix finale with a concussion scare 

William Sawalich will miss this year’s NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship race scheduled for Saturday, November 1. A crash at Talladega left the Joe Gibbs Racing driver with concussion-like symptoms. Which means he is currently unfit to compete.

Despite runner-up finishes in the last two regular-season races, Sawalich didn’t make the playoffs this year. He will now have the entire off-season to recover and return stronger in 2026, his fourth season with Joe Gibbs Racing. Meanwhile, Justin Bonsignore will take over the No. 18 SoundGear Toyota.

A few hours ago, renowned journalist Claire B Lang took to X (formerly known as Twitter) and quoted what Sawalich said about his early ejection from Joe Gibbs Racing’s 2025 Xfinity campaign.

“Unfortunately, I didn't get medically cleared to compete this weekend in Phoenix. As a driver, you want to be behind the wheel for your team, but I understand the importance of being fully ready before returning.” “As I continue to work toward getting back to 100%, I want to express my sincere appreciation to Dr. Collins and his UPMC staff. I also want to thank Jeff Meendering, the No. 18 team and everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing for their unwavering support this season. We will be prepared and ready to go when the season begins this February."

William Sawalich finished the season 17th in driver standings. In 31 starts this year, the young racing phenom bagged three top fives and nine top-10s. He missed last week’s playoff race at Martinsville Speedway as well.

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William Sawalich thanks his fans following disastrous Talladega outing

On Lap 45 of the United Rentals 250 Round of 8 race at Talladega Superspeedway, William Sawalich got caught up in a multi-car event involving several others like Dean Thompson, Blaine Perkins, Leland Honeyman, Connor Zilisch, and Connor Mosack. He couldn't continue racing after that and therefore had to settle for a default P30 finish.

14 drivers in a 38-car field received DNFs that day, and Sawalich was one of them. He was shifted to a local hospital for further checkups after being checked at the infield care center. After returning from the hospital, the Eden Prairie, Minnesota, native took to X and wrote,

“Appreciate all the messages and calls last night," he wrote. 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 family."

Notably, this is the second Championship race in a row that William Sawalich is going to miss. However, fans can watch the 200-lap event on CW (November 1, 7:30 pm ET) or listen to its live radio updates on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

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Edited by Tushhita Barua