Sawalich Sidelined for Martinsville Xfinity Race: Bonsignore Gets the Call for No. 18
The news hit hard on Wednesday evening. William Sawalich, the promising rookie who’s been turning heads all season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, won’t be behind the wheel this Saturday at Martinsville Speedway. Joe Gibbs Racing announced that Sawalich is experiencing concussion-like symptoms following a brutal crash at Talladega Superspeedway on October 18, and he’ll be sitting this one out while he focuses on getting healthy. For anyone who watched that race at Talladega, you know exactly which crash we’re talking about.
It was one of those multicar incidents that makes your stomach drop. Connor Mosack and Dean Thompson’s cars slammed into Sawalich’s No. 18 Toyota during the chaos, and the impact was significant enough that Sawalich was transported to a local hospital that evening for further evaluation. He was released in the early morning hours of October 19, but the effects of that collision are still being felt days later.
William Sawalich Speaks Out About Missing Martinsville
Sawalich took to social media on October 22 to address the situation directly with his fans. “I’m disappointed to not be in the car this weekend, but my health is my number one priority,” he wrote. You can hear the frustration in those words. Here’s a young driver in the middle of his rookie season, making waves with three top fives and nine top 10s, and he has to pump the brakes right when things are getting good.
But William Sawalich isn’t just sitting around waiting. He’s actively working with Dr. Collins at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and NASCAR to complete their concussion protocol. The goal is simple: get back on track as soon as it’s safe to do so. That’s the right approach, even if it’s not the easy one.
Justin Bonsignore Steps In at Martinsville
So who’s taking over the No. 18 car at Martinsville? Joe Gibbs Racing turned to a familiar face: Justin Bonsignore. If that name rings a bell, it should. Bonsignore is a four-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion, and he’s no stranger to JGR’s equipment. He’s already made seven starts this season in the team’s No. 19 car, so he knows the organization and how they operate.
This substitution is about more than just filling a seat. The No. 19 entry that Bonsignore has been driving is eligible to win the owners’ championship at Phoenix Raceway in the season finale on November 1, thanks to Aric Almirola’s victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway earlier this season. While Bonsignore won’t be in that car at Martinsville, his experience with the team makes him the logical choice to keep the No. 18 competitive while Sawalich recovers.
What This Means for William Sawalich’s Rookie Season
Missing a race is never ideal, especially for a rookie trying to make his mark. William Sawalich has been putting together a solid first year in the Xfinity Series with those three top fives and nine top 10s. Every race is an opportunity to learn, to gain experience, and to show what you can do under pressure. Martinsville, with its tight quarters and physical nature, is the kind of track where a young driver can prove himself.
But here’s the thing: rushing back before you’re ready doesn’t help anyone. Concussions are serious business, and NASCAR’s protocol exists for a reason. The racing will still be there when William Sawalich is cleared to return. What matters most right now is ensuring he takes care of himself and follows the proper steps for a long, successful career.
Looking Ahead: William Sawalich’s Return to Racing
The good news is that Sawalich sounds optimistic. He mentioned he’s feeling better every day, which is what everyone wants to hear. The process might be frustrating, but it’s necessary. Once the medical team and NASCAR clear him, he’ll be back in that No. 18 Toyota, ready to pick up where he left off.
In the meantime, all eyes will be on Bonsignore at Martinsville to see how he handles the short track challenge. It’s not an easy place to race, even for veterans. The half-mile paperclip demands patience, precision, and the ability to take a beating without letting it rattle you. If Bonsignore can bring the No. 18 home with a solid finish, it’ll keep the team in good shape while they wait for their regular driver to return.
Final Thoughts
For William Sawalich, this is just a bump in the road during what’s been an impressive rookie campaign. He’s shown he belongs at this level, and one missed race won’t change that. The focus now is on recovery, following the protocol, and coming back stronger when the doctors give the green flag. Racing can wait. Health comes first. That’s the message William Sawalich is sending, and it’s the right one.
