Watkins Glen Still Belongs to Connor Zilisch

Watkins Glen Still Belongs to Connor Zilisch Sean Gardner - Getty Images Connor Zilisch may be experiencing a disappointing rookie season in NASCAR’s Cup Series, but when it comes to NASCAR’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, the 19-year-old remains undefeated at Watkins Glen International. This year, Zilisch had to charge through the field, overcome some front-end damage that his JR Motorsports Chevrolet incurred with six laps remaining as he chased leader Jesse Love, and then pass his best friend on the final turn of the last lap to secure his 13th career O’Reilly victory and his second this season. He is now tied with Marcos Ambrose and Terry Labonte for three consecutive victories at Watkins Glen.

Zilisch said that on the final lap he didn’t plan to do anything “egregious” to move Love out of his way. “I just wanted to show a nose and try and force him into making a mistake,” Zilisch said. “I made a mistake that took me out of contention for a little bit there.

I wasn’t going to put him at cost because of it. I’ll do anything to win, but I’m not just going to ship the guy in the last corner to do it. I showed a nose and it was enough for him to lock his right front and wash up.

” Zilisch staked his claim on the 2. 45-mile Watkins Glen road course in 2024 when he made his debut in the series then known as Xfinity shortly after turning 18 years old. That year he earned the pole as well as the victory.