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Rockingham Today
By the People, for the People
William Sawalich Wins NASCAR O'Reilly Race at Rockingham
Joe Gibbs Racing driver earns first career O'Reilly Series victory
Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:24am
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William Sawalich and the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing team won the NASCAR O'Reilly Series race at Rockingham Speedway, earning their first victory of the 2026 season. Sawalich held off a late charge from Brandon Jones to take the checkered flag.
Why it matters
This win marks a breakthrough moment for the young Sawalich, who has been knocking on the door of his first NASCAR victory. The O'Reilly Series race at Rockingham is a historic event, with the track hosting many legendary NASCAR moments over the decades.
The details
Corey Day and the No. 17 Hendrick Motorsports team dominated the early stages, sweeping the first two segments. However, poor pit stops took them out of contention. Brent Crews was in control late, but a flat tire and a questionable two-tire pit stop derailed his chances at the win. Sawalich capitalized, taking the lead on a late restart and holding off Jones to secure the victory.
- The NASCAR O'Reilly Series race at Rockingham Speedway took place in April 2026.
The players
William Sawalich
The 18-year-old driver earned his first career NASCAR O'Reilly Series victory, driving for the powerhouse Joe Gibbs Racing team.
Brandon Jones
The veteran driver finished second, narrowly missing out on the win for his Joe Gibbs Racing team.
Brent Crews
The up-and-coming driver was in control of the race late but was undone by a flat tire and a questionable pit strategy.
Corey Day
The Hendrick Motorsports driver dominated the early stages of the race but was unable to capitalize due to poor pit stops.
Joe Gibbs Racing
The championship-winning NASCAR team earned their first O'Reilly Series victory of the 2026 season with Sawalich's win.
What they’re saying
“This is a dream come true. The team gave me an amazing car today, and I'm just so proud to get Joe Gibbs Racing their first win of the year.”
— William Sawalich, Race Winner
“We had the car to beat today, but a couple of mistakes on pit road cost us the win. Congrats to William and the 18 team, they deserved it.”
— Corey Day, Hendrick Motorsports Driver
What’s next
Sawalich and the No. 18 team will look to build on this momentum as the NASCAR O'Reilly Series heads to its next event at Darlington Raceway.
The takeaway
William Sawalich's first career NASCAR victory at the historic Rockingham Speedway showcases the rising talent in the O'Reilly Series and the continued strength of the Joe Gibbs Racing program. This win could be the start of a breakout season for the young driver.
