Zilisch wins chaotic NASCAR Xfinity debut at Watkins Glen

Starting from pole position, 18-year-old Connor Zilisch drove an incredible race in which everything was thrown at the debutant to deny him victory, but he prevailed, conserved enough fuel in double overtime and escaped the chaos behind him to win.

He joins an exclusive list of drivers who have won in their NASCAR Xfinity debut: Dale Earnhardt Sr. (1982), Joe Ruttman (1982), Ricky Rudd (1983), Terry Labonte (1995), Kurt Busch (2006) and Ty Gibbs (2021).

“I’m lost for words,” said Zilisch, driving the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet. “I’ve worked so hard for this. I’ve been working toward this for months. It’s so special. I don’t know how I saved up enough. With two laps to go, I stumbled up the hill. I didn’t think I was going to make it to the finish line. I’m going to enjoy this for a while.”

Race winner Connor Zilisch, JR Motorsports, Carolina Carports Chevrolet Camaro

Photo by: Danny Hansen / NKP / Motorsport Images

The race was ended under caution after a serious accident involving several cars on the last lap.

Sheldon Creed, who already holds the record for most second places without a win, finished second for the 12th time in his career. AJ Allmendinger was third, Chandler Smith fourth and Shane van Gisbergen fifth. Ross Chastain, who starts Sunday’s Cup race from pole position, was sixth at the time of the caution period.

Zilisch was on his way to victory when a caution phase with six laps to go threw the race into total chaos. Matt DiBenedetto stopped at the bus stop and began a wild final sprint. The race went into overtime after a multi-car crash in Turn 1 left Austin Hill and Anthony Alfredo with significant damage. The race was red-flagged due to fluids all over the track. After a lengthy stoppage, racing resumed, but more carnage ensued. Ty Gibbs ran out of fuel in fourth place, while Brandon Jones and Mike Skeen crashed at the bus stop.

This forced the race into double overtime. While more cars spun and his rivals for the rear spots collided with their fenders, Zilisch came out on top. The race finally ended when Riley Herbst and Ryan Sieg collided on the way to the bus stop, taking several cars with them.