Joe Gibbs Racing will have a driver change this weekend at Martinsville Speedway. William Sawalich will miss Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race.
According to a Wednesday announcement from the team, the rookie will miss the weekend at Martinsville Speedway due to concussion-like symptoms. Justin Bonsignore will step in and take over the No. 18 Toyota GR Supra for the short track race while Sawalich recovers. Bonsignore has made seven starts this season for Joe Gibbs Racing while sharing the No. 19.
“I’m disappointed to not be in the car this weekend, but my health is my number one priority,” Sawalich said in a statement from the team.
“I’m feeling better every day and working with Dr. Collins at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and NASCAR to go through their concussion protocol to return to the track as soon as possible.”
The Minnesota native was collected in a six-car crash last weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, which brought out the red flag for 10 minutes and 35 seconds.
Another big wreck sees Playoff points leader @ConnorZilisch among those taking damage. pic.twitter.com/CagaFdW381
— The CW Sports (@TheCW_Sports) October 18, 2025
This incident began when Leland Honeyman was turned in the middle of the pack. Connor Mosack tried to avoid the incident, but he hit Dean Thompson and then slammed into Sawalich. This contact pinched the No. 18 into the outside wall and caused significant damage.
NASCAR announced after the crash that Sawalich had been transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. He remained there as the race continued. Joe Gibbs Racing ultimately announced just after 3 a.m. ET on Sunday morning that the rookie had been released from the hospital.
Photo credit: Nigel Kinrade Photography
“Appreciate all the messages and calls last night,” Sawalich posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, the following day. “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.”
Sawalich, the two-time ARCA Menards Series East champion, has made 31 starts this season for Joe Gibbs Racing. He has posted three top-five finishes and nine top-10s. His best finishes were a pair of runner-ups at Portland International Raceway and World Wide Technology Raceway.