Eden Prairie’s Willim Sawalich Sits Out NASCAR Xfinity Championship Race Due to Concussion Symptoms
A promising rookie season for Willim Sawalich will conclude prematurely as the Eden Prairie, Minnesota native will not compete in this weekend’s NASCAR Xfinity Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona, due to concussion-like symptoms.
Sawalich sustained an injury during the United Rentals 250 at Talladega Superspeedway on October 18. The incident forced him to miss the subsequent IAA and Ritchie Bros. 250 at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Virginia, on October 25. Justin Bonsignore stepped in to drive the No. 18 SoundGear Toyota GR Supra for Sawalich at Martinsville and will again pilot the vehicle during the championship race. Both drivers are affiliated with the prominent Joe Gibbs Racing team.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t get medically cleared to compete this weekend in Phoenix,” Sawalich stated. “As a driver, you want to be behind the wheel for your team, but I understand the importance of being fully ready before returning.”
Prioritizing Player Safety
Sawalich is currently working closely with Dr. Michael Collins of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and NASCAR officials to adhere to established concussion protocols. The focus remains on ensuring a full recovery before returning to competition. In a released statement, Sawalich expressed gratitude for the support he has received.
“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 in Daytona this February,” Sawalich said.
Local Connection to Motorsports
The hearing protection products utilized by the No. 18 team, SoundGear, are manufactured by Starkey, a company headquartered in Eden Prairie. This connection highlights the growing presence of Minnesota-based businesses within the world of professional motorsports.
Sawalich’s commitment to prioritizing his health underscores the increasing emphasis on athlete safety within NASCAR. While the conclusion of his rookie season is disappointing, his dedication to a full recovery positions him for a strong return to the track when the season commences at Daytona in February.
