Joe Gibbs Racing and driver William Sawalich have agreed to a new contract extension, bringing the 19-year-old back to the team’s No. 18 entry for the 2027 season.
Sawalich debuted for the team in the No. 18 car in late 2024 after an incredible run with the team in the ARCA Menards Series. But in his two full-time seasons with the team, Sawalich has seen his fair share of ups and downs.
Last season, after rebounding from a slow start to the year, Sawalich missed the final two races of 2025 due to an injury sustained at Talladega.
The Wisconsin native then started 2026 off hot, with a win at Rockingham, but has since cooled down as the year has progressed.
With Sawalich’s return set in stone, the announcement kills off rumors circulating that he could move to Chevrolet’s Haas Factory Team for 2027. Though these rumors made the rounds online, they may have had little weight beyond those circles.
JGR has now locked down two of its full-time OAP Series cars for 2027, announcing last month that Taylor Gray would return to the No. 54.
The only questions remaining are the No. 19 of Brent Crews and the No. 20 of Brandon Jones.
While Jones’ status with the team is unknown, Crews, as the heir apparent to Denny Hamlin, is expected to return for what will be his first official full-time season after missing select races earlier this year due to age restrictions.
Stay close to the on-track action this weekend and every weekend by following our Race Weekend Dashboard for everything you need to know before, during, and after the race. Share your thoughts by joining the discussion on Discord or X, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for further updates.
