In the cutthroat environment of NASCAR, skill and grit are frequently the recipe for success. But when a financial tycoon like Shark Tank’s Daymond John, who is worth an estimated $350 million, comes calling to pump up a young driver, it’s obvious that magic is in the air.
Success in NASCAR isn’t just about speed—it’s about seizing opportunities, making bold moves, and proving you belong among the best. And for 17-year-old William Sawalich, this weekend at Daytona is the ultimate proving ground. With a grueling triple-duty challenge ahead, the rising star is ready to take his shot at history.
Daymond John is blown away by the talent of William Sawalich
“Man, I’m going to be working for him in a little while, you know?” John joked, alluding to the rosy future that lay ahead. John, a devoted racing fan, made an impromptu appearance recently to boost one of NASCAR’s up-and-coming stars before the Daytona race. “I’m a huge fan of this kid,” John beamed. “I’ve known you maybe, I don’t know, 15 years, huh? And you’re just one of the winningest kids out there. I’m proud of you, man. Very proud of you.”
Even more symbolic, perhaps, was John pointing out something familiar—Starkey, a brand that has been a part of his own life. “You see that? That’s called a Starkey.” A nod to business, success, and legacy—something that both John and this young driver have in common. Aside from the rousing pep talk, discussion turned to the race itself. “Okay, what number are you racing today?” John inquired, knowing full well but preferring to have it confirmed directly by the up-and-coming star. “Number one” was the ready response. John smiled and nodded. “Number one, okay. Go figure. I’ll see you out there.”
I’ve been lucky to spot future stars early, and watching @williamsawalich grow up since he was a kid, you can now call me an official super fan! This young man is rolling into his first full season in the @NASCAR Xfinity Series! Time to watch car #18 fly past that checkered flag… pic.twitter.com/XDBYR6LmfI
— Daymond John (@TheSharkDaymond) February 13, 2025
With powerhouse organizations such as Joe Gibbs Racing behind him, this driver is not merely another racer—he’s a young millionaire in the making, ready to put his stamp on the sport. NASCAR is no stranger to prodigies, but having someone like John recognize the hard work and talent that goes on behind the scenes gives the story a whole new twist.
Whereas most NASCAR greats are made on the racetrack, branding and business acumen are increasingly essential in the world today. These drivers aren’t athletes alone—no, they’re entrepreneurs, trendsetters, and world figures. And if anyone is familiar with what it takes to translate talent into a successful empire, it’s Daymond John.
With Daytona heat on the rise and engines revving, this trip was more than a simple fan stop. It was a passing of the torch, a nod from one magnate to another in the making. If John’s testimony is any indication, NASCAR’s future isn’t just quick—it’s going to get a whole lot richer.
William Sawalich Ready to Gear Up for a Daytona Debut High-Pressure with Triple Duty Weekend
William Sawalich has experience with living up to big expectations. The 17-year-old Eden Prairie driver is preparing to tackle the biggest weekend of his young career, racing his first Daytona International Speedway with a demanding triple-duty weekend. Racin’ and TRICON Garage’s Joe Gibbs Racing driver is ready to demonstrate why he is a strong contender for the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year.
Friday, February 14, will see Sawalich get things started in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series behind the wheel of the No. 1 SoundGear Toyota Tundra for TRICON Garage. The following day, he’ll drive the ARCA Menards Series race in the No. 18 Starkey Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing before wrapping up the weekend in the Xfinity Series driving the No. 18 SoundGear Toyota GR Supra in the United Rentals 300.
“I’ve been getting ready for this weekend for a while,” Sawalich said. “It’s a big chance, and I want to do the best with it.” Going up against experienced drivers, Sawalich knows he fights with his hands. His other Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year competitors—Taylor Gray, Carson Kvapil, Connor Zilch, and Christian Eckes—will also be eager to put on a good show. But Sawalich is accustomed to pressure.
In 2024, he made waves in the Xfinity Series, competing in three events after his 18th birthday and earning the inside pole for Phoenix Raceway’s season finale. He won consecutive ARCA Menards Series East titles that same year, the first Minnesotan to do so.
With Daytona being a big milestone, Sawalich is not only here to race—he’s here to win. And if his history of success is any guide, the NASCAR universe would do well to take notice.
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