Eden Prairie native William Sawalich ends his rookie season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series by sitting out this weekend’s championship race at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona, because of concussion-like symptoms.

Sawalich was involved in an accident during the United Rentals 250 at Talladega Superspeedway on Oct. 18. As a result, he missed the Oct. 25 IAA and Ritchie Bros. 250 at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Virginia. Justin Bonsignore drove the No. 18 SoundGear Toyota GR Supra for Sawalich in that race and will do so again this weekend. Both are members of the Joe Gibbs Racing team.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t get medically cleared to compete this weekend in Phoenix,” Sawalich said. “As a driver, you want to be behind the wheel for your team, but I understand the importance of being fully ready before returning.”

He is working with Dr. Michael Collins of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and NASCAR on concussion protocols. In a statement, Sawalich expressed his appreciation for his medical team as well as his crew chief.

“As I continue to work toward getting back to 100%, I want to express my sincere appreciation to Dr. Collins and his UPMC staff. I also want to thank Jeff Meendering, the No. 18 team, and everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing for their unwavering support this season. We will be prepared and ready to go when the season begins in Daytona this February,” Sawalich said.

SoundGear hearing protection products are manufactured by Starkey, headquartered in Eden Prairie.