Connor Zilisch Claims Dramatic Xfinity Series Victory at Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen, NY — Connor Zilisch delivered a masterclass in control, strategy, and perseverance on Saturday at Watkins Glen International, holding off a fierce late-race challenge to score a landmark NASCAR Xfinity Series victory. The 18-year-old rising star in the No. 88 Chevrolet started from the pole and led a race-high 48 laps, ultimately crossing the finish line 2.326 seconds ahead of Sam Mayer in a chaotic and caution-filled affair.

The race was anything but straightforward for Zilisch. After dominating early and winning Stage 1, the event quickly turned into a survival test. A series of aggressive restarts, mechanical issues, and multi-car incidents kept the outcome in doubt until the final lap. Notably, a massive crash with eight laps to go — triggered when Michael McDowell was turned by Austin Hill while battling for second — collected more than a dozen cars, brought out the red flag, and set the stage for a tense sprint to the finish.

On the restart with three laps remaining, Zilisch initially lost the lead to Sammy Smith but fought back immediately on the backstretch, reclaiming control as Mayer charged through to second. From there, Zilisch kept his cool, extending his gap and sealing the win after 82 grueling laps and seven cautions over more than two and a half hours of racing.

Behind Zilisch and Mayer, Sammy Smith recovered to finish third after being in the mix for the win late. Austin Hill, a constant factor in the lead battle despite multiple run-ins, came home fourth, while Carson Kvapil rounded out the top five after a hard-fought day that included contact and off-track excursions.

The day also saw plenty of heartbreak. McDowell, a top contender for much of the afternoon, was eliminated in the late crash. William Sawalich suffered a major tire rub while running inside the top 10, and Shane van Gisbergen — a front-runner early — faded after a sequence of pit strategies didn’t play in his favor.

For Zilisch, the victory not only capped off a weekend of speed but also showcased his resilience under pressure. “We had such a fast car all day, but it was all about surviving those restarts and staying calm,” Zilisch said. “I knew if I could get clean air at the end, we’d be in good shape.”

With the Watkins Glen win, Zilisch cements himself as one of the most promising young drivers in the series, while the championship picture tightens heading into the closing stretch of the season. Watkins Glen once again proved why it’s one of the most unpredictable and thrilling stops on the NASCAR calendar — a track where speed, strategy, and survival all matter in equal measure.

Xfinity Series Watkins Glen Results

August 9, 2025