WATCH: ARCA race at Elko ends in three-wide photo finish for the ages

William Sawalich grabbed the checkered flag at the ARCA Menards Series Shore Lunch 250 at the Elko Speedway. His victory came following a risky three-wide pass over Rev Racing's Lavar Scott and Venturini Motorsports driver Kris Wright. Scott and Wright finished second and third, respectively.

Born on October 3, 2006, Sawalich is a 17-year-old racecar driver who wheels the No. 18 STARKEY SOUNDGEAR Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing in the ARCA Menards Series East. He is from Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Sawalich won the ARCA Menards Series East championship last year.

You can watch the video of Sawalich cruising to victory at the Elko Speedway:

Unlike his dominant run at Salem Speedway a few days ago, Saturday night's event was all about fighting adversities for Sawalich. The young racer started the race from pole position and stayed up front until lap 149 when he tangled with the #99 of Michael Maples and spun out in turns 1 and 2. As a result, Sawalich fell back to 8th in traffic.

"I just went really loose all of a sudden, I think from the left-rear (tire) going down," Sawalich told the reporters speaking of the wreck. "I just lost a lot of rear grip. I was a little worried there."

Nevertheless, Sawalich and his team were able to shake off their troubles. Following the adjustments made during the race break on lap 175, Sawalich started gaining positions. By lap 231, Sawalich had snatched the P2 position from Wright, eying Scott, the race leader at that point. Owing to the caution caused by a spin by Ryan Roulette, Sawalich fended off Scott to regain the lead, and the crowd was then treated to a thrilling finish.

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William Sawalich reflects on his emotional ARCA win

The victory was William Sawalich's 10th in his ARCA Menards Series East career and also the fourth in the last five races. After the race was over, Sawalich recalled driving Legend Cars at the 0.375-mile racetrack four years ago and said that winning a race there was quite emotional for him.

"That was one of the best races I’ve ever put together and this team has ever put together," Sawalich said during a post-race interview with FS1 (via Toby Christie). "Just really shows our teamwork and dedication towards this race and obviously in front of the home crowd this is awesome."

"I mean, this is the coolest thing ever to do this. And I was racing legend cars here four years ago so it’s pretty emotional," he added.

While Sawalich shone with flying colors, it was a heartbreaking day for both Lavar Scott and Kris Wright. Scott and Wright were looking forward to recording their first career victories.

The ARCA Menards Series East will hit the tracks again on August 16th, Friday. The next race will be at Michigan International Speedway. Fans can watch the event live on FS1 from 7 PM ET onwards.