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William Sawalich wrecked from the lead while lapping Michael Maples at Elko

JHby:Jonathan Howard•08/03/24•

Jondean25

William Sawalich wins Phoenix ARCA
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The pole-sitter and favorite for tonight’s ARCA Menards Series race, William Sawalich, was just wrecked while leading. As Sawalich lapped Michael Maples, the NASCAR prospect was wrecked.

Maples went too deep into the corner or I guess you could argue William Sawalich hadn’t truly cleared him yet? But I don’t think that is how this went down at all. Either way, the 18 and 99 made contact and the caution flag came out.

Sawalich was hoping for another dominating win. Now he has a lot of work to do with a damaged Toyota. Will he be able to win at his home track, Elko Speedway? Or has his luck been dashed?

This is a tough break for William Sawalich. He would rather have kept driving away in the lead. He has had pressure from Lavar Scott and Isabella Robusto. His team has one more pit stop to get his car fixed and hopefully put speed back into it.

2024 has been a great season in the ARCA Menards Series for Sawalich. He has wins in the national series as well as the East and West Series. Sawalich has developed a bit of a rivalry with Connor Zilisch this season in the East Series. However, Zilisch is racing the CARS Tour at North Wilkesboro tonight instead of Elko Speedway in ARCA.

Honestly, Maples got into that corner too deep. That car did not turn into the corner. By the time he did start to turn, it was too late. Sawalich will have to work hard to make his way back to the lead.

William Sawalich’s misfortune is Lavar Scott’s gain

With William Sawalich suffering damage, Lavar Scott gets to take over in this race. Last season, Scott ran the full East Series schedule. He finished 3rd overall. This season, he trails his teammate Andres Perez in points by 48.

Getting a win would be massive for Scott’s championship hopes. Sawalich cannot race the full schedule this season. Gaining the first victory for a full-time driver this season in the ARCA Menards Series would be massive for Scott.

Scott has a number of top-5 finishes. However, he has not broken through before. This gives him a great opportunity to make a statement, take control of the race, and close it out over the final 68 laps.

William Sawalich will have to work with a damaged car. This is Scott’s opportunity. Will he be able to take advantage of it and earn his first career win in the ARCA Menards Series?