William Sawalich has not yet been medically cleared to return to the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, Sawalich announced Wednesday on social media, keeping him sidelined for Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series season finale at Phoenix Raceway.
MORE: Phoenix schedule | Xfinity Series standings
Sawalich is recovering from concussion-like symptoms after a crash in the Oct. 18 race at Talladega Superspeedway. The 19-year-old rookie also sat out the Oct. 25 race at Martinsville Speedway to recuperate. As part of his recovery, Sawalich is working with Dr. Micky Collins at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Collins has helped other drivers navigate concussion-like symptoms previously, most notably NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t get medically cleared to compete this weekend in Phoenix,” Sawalich said in a team release. “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 (crew chief) 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.”
Substituting for Sawalich is Justin Bonsignore, who wheeled the No. 18 Toyota to a 10th-place finish in Sawalich’s place at Martinsville, the first top 10 of Bonsignore’s Xfinity career. Saturday will mark Bonsignore’s ninth start this season and 10th in Xfinity competition. The four-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion finished runner-up in the tour’s 2025 campaign, which concluded Oct. 23 at Martinsville.