William Sawalich comes up one spot shy of first career win, Xfinity Series playoff bid

Published: Sunday, September 7, 2025 at 3:10 am

Sawalich Misses Out on First Win, Playoff Spot

In a nail-biting race, NASCAR Xfinity Series rookie William Sawalich came agonizingly close to securing his first career victory and a playoff spot. Sawalich finished second, a mere 1.506 seconds behind Connor Zilisch, who claimed his ninth win of the season. The race, held on Saturday, saw Sawalich consistently running at the front of the pack throughout the evening.

Despite the near miss, Sawalich remained composed, acknowledging Zilisch's superior performance. He praised Zilisch's car and expressed pride in his team's efforts. Sawalich also noted that while they didn't make the playoffs, they certainly put up a strong fight.

The season has been a tale of two halves for Sawalich and the No. 18 team. After a challenging start, the Eden Prairie, Minnesota, native has demonstrated significant improvement in recent races. Over the last eight races, Sawalich has achieved five top-10 finishes, including back-to-back runner-up positions. This surge in performance has propelled him from 25th to 17th in the standings.

While the playoff bid eluded him this year, Sawalich's recent form suggests that his first career win could be within reach during the remaining seven races of the 2025 season.

BNN's Perspective:

Sawalich's performance is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of young drivers in NASCAR. While missing the playoffs is undoubtedly disappointing, his recent progress indicates a promising future. The team's ability to rebound from a difficult start and consistently compete for top positions is encouraging. We anticipate seeing Sawalich contend for wins and playoff spots in the seasons to come.

Keywords: William Sawalich, NASCAR, Xfinity Series, Connor Zilisch, racing, rookie, playoffs, second place, top 10, win, season, standings

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