Eden Prairie Native William Sawalich Discusses NASCAR Journey on Unscripted with Dawn Mitchell
William Sawalich, the rising NASCAR star from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, recently appeared on Unscripted with Dawn Mitchell to share insights into his racing career and future aspirations. The 19-year-old driver, born October 3, 2006, discussed his progression through various racing series and his current role in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
Early Racing Success and Championships
Sawalich’s racing career began with notable achievements in sports car and stock car competitions. In 2022, he won the SCCA Trans-Am TA2 ProAm Series Championship and was named Rookie of the Year in that series. That same year, he captured victories in the Rumble by the River 125 and Throwback 276 (LMSC) events.
His success continued in 2023 with championships in the ARCA Menards Series East, along with wins at the Orange Blossom 100 and Herr’s Snacks 200 (Berlin), which marked his first ARCA Menards Series victory. He followed up in 2024 by repeating as ARCA Menards Series East Champion and winning the Owens Corning 200 (Toledo) and Bush’s Beans 200 (Bristol) races.
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Career
Sawalich entered the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2024, driving the No. 18 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing. His first race was the Credit One NASCAR Amex Credit Card 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. After competing in 43 races over three seasons, he earned his first series win at the 2026 North Carolina Education Lottery 250 held at Rockingham Speedway.
As of the 2025 season, Sawalich holds an 18th-place standing in the series, which remains his best career finish to date. His most recent start came in the 2026 Suburban Propane 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Experience
In addition to his O’Reilly Auto Parts Series commitments, Sawalich has gained experience in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driving for Tricon Garage. Over four seasons (2023–2026), he has competed in 22 races, piloting the No. 1/5 trucks. His best finishes came in 2023 and 2024 with 30th-place results, including his most recent start at the 2026 Buckle Up South Carolina 200 held at Darlington Raceway.
ARCA Menards Series Participation
Sawalich maintains an active presence in ARCA competition across multiple regional series. In the ARCA Menards Series, he has started 31 races over three years, earning a career-best eighth-place finish in the 2023 points standings. His ARCA Menards West campaign includes 10 starts over three seasons, with a best finish of 16th in 2023. He has won races in both the West (Desert Diamond Casino West Valley 100 at Phoenix in 2023 and Portland 112 in 2025) and East divisions.
In the ARCA Menards Series East, where he has been most successful, Sawalich has compiled a perfect championship record—winning back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024. Over 17 starts in three seasons, he has earned seven wins, 16 top-ten finishes, and nine pole positions, with his first victory coming at the 2023 Pensacola 200 and his last at the 2024 Bush’s Beans 200 (Bristol).
Personal Background and Physical Stats
Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 155 pounds, Sawalich represents a new generation of drivers emerging from Minnesota’s motorsports scene. His Eden Prairie roots have been a consistent touchstone throughout his rapid rise in national racing circles.
The Unscripted with Dawn Mitchell appearance provided fans with a rare glimpse into the mindset of a young driver balancing immediate competition with long-term development in one of America’s most challenging sports.