William Sawalich picked up his first career NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series win on Saturday, taking the checkered flag in the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota at Rockingham. The win brought an immediate reaction from his father. Brandon Sawalich took to social media to credit the team behind the victory.
Brandon Sawalich Congratulates Team After William Sawalich’s Victory at Rockingham
The tweet came in response to Bozi Tataveric. Tataveric publicly named the pit crew members who kept William in contention all race long. The crew included front changer Anthony O’Brien, rear changer Dwayne Ogles, tire carrier Gregory Powell, jackman Will Cooper, and fueler Shawn Hawkins.
His father responded, “The best there is! Talent and all heart! It takes a team to win. Congratulations, Jeff, and to the boys.”
The win came in Sawalich’s 42nd career start. It ended JR Motorsports’ five-race win streak. It was a 1-2 finish for Joe Gibbs Racing, with Sawalich beating teammate Brandon Jones to the line.
Sawalich was emotional after the race. “Honestly, tough year last year and tough start to the year this year,” he said.
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“These boys mean everything to me. They were here with me through everything and my family. Gosh, it feels good to get it done here in Rockingham.” He also praised his car’s performance, noting the Supra “was on rails” today.
The race itself was far from clean. Day led from the green flag, controlling the opening stages with ease, while chaos unfolded in the pack behind him.
Cleetus McFarland spun early. Then, a series of cautions kept the field bunched up throughout.
Corey Day swept both Stage 1 and Stage 2. However, the final stage is where the race completely changed shape. After a round of pit stops, JGR teammates Brent Crews and Sawalich made door-to-door contact on a restart.
Afterward, Jesse Love grabbed the lead from Sawalich. But things kept shifting up front, and Sawalich eventually took the lead.
Several other contenders ran into trouble before the checkered flag. Love, who had inherited the lead after the stage break, slowed with a right-front issue and lost two laps on pit road.
Sam Mayer’s No. 41 Haas Factory Team Chevrolet suffered an engine issue. It put him out of the race.
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Austin Green bounced off the wall late.
The final stretch of the race saw multiple cautions, including one for McFarland spinning and another for Jeremy Clements spinning into the outside wall. But none of it could disrupt Sawalich’s rhythm out front, and he held on comfortably to seal the win for JGR.
At the end, Sawalich’s victory was a great achievement. It was his first career win. On top of that, credit was given where it was due. His father did not forget to appreciate his son’s team for his amazing victory at Rockingham.
