Sawalich Stays Put, Locking in 2027 Ride
Joe Gibbs Racing confirmed this week that William Sawalich will continue piloting the No. 18 entry in the 2027 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, exercising an option that had been on the table since the conclusion of the 2026 campaign.
The agreement follows a modest debut in late 2024, when the young driver stepped into the cockpit after a strong run in the ARCA Menards Series, only to miss the final two events of 2025 because of a crash at Talladega that sidelined him for the closing stretch.
Although Sawalich broke through with a victory at the historic Rockingham Speedway in 2026, the season that followed was marked by inconsistency, leaving observers to wonder whether the team would seek a change of scenery.
The renewed contract not only quashes rumors linking him to Chevrolet’s Haas Factory Team, but also signals the team’s intent to retain a driver who has already proven he can win on a short track.
New Faces and Unresolved Questions
Alongside Sawalich, the organization announced that Taylor Gray will once again take the wheel of the No. 54 car for the 2027 schedule, while Brent Crews is slated to make his first full‑time appearance in the series.
The status of veteran Brandon Jones remains unresolved, leaving the roster with a blend of continuity and uncertainty as the team finalizes its driver lineup.
Beyond the individual contracts, the moves reflect a broader strategy by Joe Gibbs Racing to blend proven talent with emerging prospects as it prepares for the next chapter of competition.