2021 Cup Series champion Kyle Larson couldn’t help but marvel at the impressive performance of 18-year-old Connor Zilisch during the Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen. Larson, who closely observed Zilisch’s technique, praised the young racer’s undeniable talent after Zilisch dominated the 90-lap event with a standout performance on the road course.
Zilisch, a driver for JR Motorsports, began the 2024 season as a Truck Series racer for Spire Motorsports and secured a four-race schedule in the Xfinity Series with Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s team. The Mission 200 at Watkins Glen marked his debut in the Xfinity Series, and he wasted no time making a name for himself. His strong start began in qualifying, where he clocked the fastest lap at 71.028 seconds, narrowly edging out Ty Gibbs by 0.143 seconds for the pole position.
Once the race got underway, Zilisch continued his exceptional form, securing a victory in the first stage. However, Stage 2 saw a shift in momentum, as NASCAR Cup Series driver William Byron took control and clinched the stage win, while Zilisch dropped to third place. The race saw intense competition, but Zilisch remained determined to make a lasting impression.
On a Lap 45 restart, an opportunity presented itself when Byron got loose exiting Turn 1, allowing Zilisch in his #88 Chevy to seize the lead. Unfortunately, shortly afterward, Zilisch was sent to the back of the pack for missing the inner loop during a caution period. Despite this setback, he fought his way back, leading 45 laps in total and successfully navigating two tense overtime restarts. His resilience paid off, as he claimed his first Xfinity Series victory and celebrated in victory lane.
Kyle Larson, who had been following the race closely, took to Twitter to congratulate Zilisch, acknowledging the young driver’s talent. Larson also made a playful remark about Zilisch’s unique racing suit style, noting how Zilisch tucked his pants into his racing shoes—something Larson humorously considered trying himself for aerodynamic gains.
“Congrats @ConnorZilisch! Pretty unreal talent. Maybe I need to tuck my pants into my racing shoes too? ,” Larson tweeted.
This seemingly minor detail—tucking pants into racing shoes—can actually help improve airflow around the driver’s suit, reducing drag and potentially giving a small yet valuable aerodynamic advantage.
Fuel Strategy Adds Drama to Zilisch’s Debut Victory
After leading much of the race, Zilisch faced a nail-biting moment during the first overtime restart. Positioned on the inside, with Sam Mayer on the outside, Zilisch initially lost the lead when the race resumed. Mayer, starting on the outside, surged ahead as the cars entered Turn 1. However, Zilisch’s inside position gave him a better line through the corner, allowing him to retake the lead after Mayer went slightly wide.
As the race approached its conclusion, a second overtime caution was triggered with just two laps remaining, setting up another dramatic restart. This time, Zilisch’s #88 Chevy began sputtering as he climbed the hill, indicating low fuel levels. Despite this setback, Zilisch managed to hold the lead and took the white flag, signaling one lap to go. His fuel-saving efforts seemed to pay off, as he inched closer to securing his first Xfinity win.
But the drama didn’t end there. A multi-car pileup unfolded on the final lap, bringing out another caution and slowing the field down. Fortunately for Zilisch, the reduced pace allowed him to conserve enough fuel to make it across the finish line and capture a remarkable debut victory.
Reflecting on his hard-fought win, Zilisch expressed just how much it meant to him. “I worked so hard for this one. I’ve been working on this for months. It’s so special to me, man, I don’t have words right now,” Zilisch said in an emotional post-race interview. “I don’t know how I saved enough fuel. I sputtered going up the hill with two laps to go, and I didn’t think I was going to make it back to the line. I was saving as much as I could those last two laps. I’m going to enjoy this one for a while.”
Zilisch’s victory not only secured his place in the record books but also marked a significant milestone in his racing career. He became the first Xfinity Series driver to both start on the pole and win in their debut race, a feat that had never been accomplished before. Additionally, he became just the seventh driver in NASCAR history to win an Xfinity race on their first attempt, solidifying his status as a rising star in the sport.
The young driver’s ability to stay calm under pressure, manage fuel strategy, and capitalize on his opportunities impressed not only fans but also veteran drivers like Kyle Larson. As Zilisch continues his journey in NASCAR, his debut at Watkins Glen will undoubtedly be remembered as the start of what could be a promising career.
