Connor Zilisch claims second NASCAR Xfinity Series win at COTA

AUSTIN, TEXAS – Rookie phenom Connor Zilisch claimed his second-career NASCAR Xfinity Series win on Saturday in the Focused Health 250 at Circuit of the Americas.

Zilisch entered the weekend as a heavy odds-on favorite, after claiming his first-career victory in his Xfinity Series debut at Watkins Glen last season.

Zilisch started on pole but his trip to the Lone Star State wasn’t without its challenges. After dominating the first stage, he pitted from the lead as a caution came out. He didn’t make the light in time and had to go to the rear of the field to start the second stage.

That was no problem for Zilisch. Although he started the second stage in 32nd on lap 24, he found himself in 16th six laps later on lap 30. Another three laps later, on lap 33, and he was back inside the top-10.

In the final stage, Zilisch made a bold move on leader and teammate Carson Kvapil that opened the door for Austin Hill and Corey Heim to go 1-2. The young phenom nearly had a double whammy as he sustained heavy right-front damage when he spun Heim.

Zilisch carried on behind Kvapil, running second after Hill went wide, and closed on him with nine laps to go to take the lead. Zilisch would seal the deal, despite dealing with a right-front tire issue in the closing lap.

With the checkered flag in hand, Zilisch reflected on the comeback performance saying, “It was tough, that was way harder than I wanted it to be.” He added, “Glad we were able to fight back.”

Afterward on social media, Zilisch was more reflective. He posted, “Proud of my 88 group for a great day and great car, but more frustrated with myself than anything. Sloppy race on my part and I gotta be better. Thank you WeatherTech and JR Motorsports!”

After a difficult start to the season with back-to-back DNFs at Daytona and Atlanta, Saturday’s win could be the turning point in the year that Zilisch’s JR Motorsports team was looking for. With the win, Zilisch has now clinched a spot in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs.

For Zilisch, his weekend isn’t over just yet. On Sunday, he will be making his first career start in the NASCAR Cup Series for Trackhouse Racing, as he attempts to sweep the weekend. Zilisch will start 14th and he is considered one of the top contenders for Sunday’s EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix as well. 

The NASCAR Xfinity Series returns to action next Saturday in the Call811.com Every Dig. Every Time. 200 at 5p ET from from Phoenix Raceway.

Tyler Jones and Brett Alper contributed to this report.