Connor Zilisch issued a public apology following a chaotic incident at Iowa Speedway, where he made contact with Ross Chastain’s No. 9 car, subsequently sending Justin Allgaier’s No. 7 Chevy spinning. The rookie, driving for JR Motorsports, admitted to the mishap and expressed regret to the “7 team.”
Connor Zilisch, a rising star in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, has quickly gained notoriety for his aggressive driving style and impressive performances. In just a handful of starts, he’s transformed from a “karting kid” into one of the most electrifying rookies in the garage. Despite setbacks like a loose wheel forcing him to pit twice and a moment of frustration vented over the radio – “I’m about to get passed by f—— Parker Retzlaff. What place are we?” – he maintains a leading position in the playoff standings.
The incident occurred after Stage 1 dominance and a lap 213 restart. Zilisch’s wheel issue coupled with being trapped in the back of the pack created a critical moment in an otherwise strong run. Team co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. acknowledged Zilisch’s potential, stating, “Connor is such an impressive driver at this young age. We’re excited for him to get behind the wheel full-time next season. He is on a path to sure success with support from Chevrolet, Silver Hare Racing, Trackhouse, and now JR Motorsports.”
Looking ahead, Zilisch will be competing at Watkins Glen International, a historic road course where he previously won in his Xfinity Series debut. His recent performances – a challenging debut at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) followed by solid results at Charlotte and Atlanta – demonstrate his growing comfort and speed. With veteran crew chief Darian Grubb guiding him, Zilisch is focused on gaining valuable experience and proving his potential, stating, “Nothing beats experience in this sport, especially at the Cup level.” Despite a turbulent Iowa race, Zilisch remains a key contender, and Watkins Glen represents a critical step in his journey toward NASCAR’s top tier.