Few teams in NASCAR have an eye for talent quite like Joe Gibbs Racing. Since its debut in 1992, the organization has become a powerhouse. It has racked up five Cup Series championships, four Xfinity Series titles, and more than 330 wins across NASCAR’s top divisions. Legendary drivers like Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch, and Denny Hamlin have all thrived under the Gibbs banner. Each driver brought their style and success to the storied Huntersville, North Carolina-based team. It must be hard to stay at the top of the performance for more than 2 decades!

But what sets Joe Gibbs Racing apart is its knack for spotting the next big thing-drivers who might be overlooked elsewhere but have the grit, speed, and smarts to rise quickly through the ranks. That tradition continues today, as a new face in the No. 18 Xfinity Series car makes waves and turns heads, just a few short years after racing in grassroots divisions. But, things are not looking very pleasant for him this season.

William Sawalich reflects on his meteoric rise with Joe Gibbs Racing

William Sawalich’s journey to the NASCAR spotlight is nothing short of remarkable. Just five years ago, he was racing Legends cars in Minnesota. As we all know, Minnesota is a state not known for producing NASCAR stars. “Minnesota is a little bit of a dry spot for racing, in general, but you can still be the fan you wanted to be in North Carolina,” Sawalich shared recently. This candid confession highlights his humble beginnings at Elko Speedway, the state’s only pavement oval.

His rapid ascent began when his parents bought him a quarter midget. This was soon followed by a switch to Legends cars. In 2021, Sawalich moved to North Carolina to chase bigger dreams. There, he joined the Setzer Racing and Development program. Here, veteran Dennis Setzer and his team helped shape his race craft. “I can’t thank them enough for basically teaching me how to race,” Sawalich said. Brandon Setzer, his driver coach, recalled, “From his first time in the car, he showed incredible speed at just 14 years old.”

Sawalich’s raw talent quickly caught the attention of Joe Gibbs Racing. Entering the Toyota pipeline, he dominated the ARCA Menards Series. After he won nearly 43% of his starts and captured back-to-back ARCA East titles in 2023 and 2024, he made his Truck Series debut at 16. And guess what? He scored a top 10 at Martinsville, a rare feat for a rookie. Jumping into the Xfinity Series full-time in 2025, Sawalich admits the learning curve has been steep. Through 14 starts, he’s earned two top-10s and a pole position. But the driver has also faced setbacks. His 2025 season started with a 28th-place DNF at Daytona. He again faced DNF at Atlanta, Las Vegas, Bristol, and Talladega. As a result, he currently sits 25th in the Xfinity driver standings. Looks like luck is not quite on their side. And, William Sawalich acknowledged it a few weeks ago.

After his third DNF at the 2025 SciAps 300, William Sawalich said, “Yeah, we were just running normal laps, and everyone checked up really fast off the floor. Just never got the call to slow down. Sucks, but you know, it is what it is. It’s part of it.” But it looked like he found what the team was missing. “Speed’s there, we just got to get luck on our side,” he said. The fact that the driver knows that he is part of a team known for winning gives him confidence, too. And this is something Sawalich is still moving forward.

Despite these setbacks, the Joe Gibbs Racing star is still optimistic. “I definitely want to get a win. I know this team is capable of a win,” he said. Sawalich’s work ethic and desire to improve have impressed Joe Gibbs Racing leadership, who believe his best is yet to come. As his rookie campaign continues, Sawalich remains focused on growth, determined to turn potential into victory.

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William Sawalich tackles Kansas and Charlotte in busy May stretch

May is a crucial month for William Sawalich as he balances ARCA and Xfinity Series duties. Two high-profile races are putting his adaptability and talent to the test. First up is the 2025 Tide 150 at Kansas Speedway, the fourth race of the ARCA Menards Series season. Set for Friday, May 9, this 100-lap, 150-mile showdown at the 1.5-mile tri-oval features Sawalich among the championship contenders, alongside names like Thad Moffitt and Michael Maples. The race is a prime opportunity for Sawalich to build momentum in a series where he’s already established himself as a winner and title threat.

Kansas Speedway has a reputation for late-race drama. We have all witnessed the pass for the win coming in the final laps in the last few races. Sawalich’s past ARCA experience at Kansas includes strong qualifying runs and top-five finishes, showcasing his ability to adapt to the track’s changing conditions and high-speed demands. A solid result here would further cement his status as one of ARCA’s brightest young stars.

Just weeks later, Sawalich will shift focus to the NASCAR Xfinity Series for the Charlotte race, part of a packed Memorial Day weekend. While his Xfinity rookie campaign has seen ups and downs, including two top-10s in his first twelve starts, Charlotte offers another chance to shine on a big stage. The 1.5-mile oval’s fast, multi-groove racing suits Sawalich’s aggressive yet calculated style.

As Sawalich juggles both series, the question lingers: Can he use this stretch of high-profile races to accelerate his learning curve and deliver a breakthrough performance? With Kansas and Charlotte on deck, the spotlight is firmly on Joe Gibbs Racing’s newest rising star.