Connor Zilisch snags historic Xfinity Series win in Sonoma after close race against teammate
Share this @internewscast.com

(NEXSTAR) — Connor Zilisch edged out his teammate, Shane van Gisberge,n to take the checkered flag at Sonoma Raceway in the Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250.

In his third victory of the season, 18-year-old Zilisch made history by becoming the youngest driver to achieve four career wins in the Xfinity Series.

Last year’s champion, Van Gisbergen, started the race in pole position, but Zilisch overtook him early on during the third lap. It was evident that the race was primarily between these two, as they exchanged the lead repeatedly throughout the afternoon.

Local favorite Jesse Love faced misfortune on lap 12, running in fourth position before having to pit due to a mechanical issue. Love’s race ended prematurely because of a malfunctioning rear-end housing.

Van Ginsbergen and Zilisch both had to pit with two laps to go in the first stage, allowing Sam Mayer to swoop in for the first stage win.

In the second stage, cameras caught van Gisbergen giving the thumbs up to Zilisch as they passed each other, a lighthearted moment between the two teammates during an intense race.

“We always joke around when we’re racing against each other,” Zilisch said. “We’ll flip each other off every now and then, and then we’ll give each other thumbs up.”

They would both pit again late in the stage, allowing Brandon Jones to secure the stage two win.

The two went back and forth the entire final stage, and after a final passing attempt from van Gisbergen, Zilisch held him off and took the victory.

“Very grateful to be in this position. It’s my first NASCAR race here in Sonoma, and to win it is awesome,” Zilisch said. “It’s a lot of fun getting to race against Shane there at the end and battle it out for the win, but glad we came out on top.”

Following this week’s exciting race, the Xfinity Series moves on to Delaware’s Dover Motor Speedway for the BetRivers 200.

Catch that race on The CW Saturday, July 19th at 4:30 p.m. ET.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Treasury sanctions Iran's petroleum 'shadow fleet,' ballistic missile networks

Treasury Targets Iran’s Covert Oil Fleet and Ballistic Missile Networks with New Sanctions

The U.S. Treasury Department took decisive action on Wednesday, imposing sanctions on…
Chicago community leaders, including Mayor Johnson, celebrate successes in violence prevention at South Shore Cultural Center

Mayor Johnson and Chicago Community Leaders Applaud Progress in Violence Prevention at South Shore Cultural Center Event

On Tuesday, Chicago’s battle against gun violence took center stage at the…
Terrifying moment caught on camera as road collapse suddenly swallows vehicles at busy intersection

Shocking Footage Captures Road Collapse Engulfing Cars at Bustling Intersection

Dramatic footage captured the heart-stopping moment when a roadway gave way beneath…
American who spent 11 years in prison for Bali 'suitcase murder' freed, deported: reports

American Released and Deported After 11 Years in Bali ‘Suitcase Murder’ Case: Reports

In a significant development, Indonesia has released and deported an American man…
Wonders Will Never Cease: Mainstream Outlet Fact Checks Trump's Murder Claim, and Realizes He's Right

Mainstream Media Shock: Fact-Check Confirms Trump’s Murder Claim as Accurate

Since the beginning of Donald Trump’s presidency, major news outlets have frequently…
Mamdani, AOC spark backlash with cringey Spanish ad pushing free childcare for illegal immigrants

Mamdani and AOC Face Criticism Over Controversial Spanish Ad Advocating Free Childcare for Undocumented Immigrants

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez found themselves at the center…
Chicago Bears news: Illinois lawmakers file amended bill, Indiana House approves bill to invest $1B into Hammond NFL stadium

Illinois Lawmakers Revise Bill as Indiana Greenlights $1B Investment for Hammond NFL Stadium

CHICAGO (WLS) — Significant progress unfolded late Wednesday concerning the Chicago Bears’…
Inside the luxurious love nest where Mexican drug lord ‘El Mencho' spent his final days

Exploring the Opulent Hideaway of Mexican Drug Lord ‘El Mencho’ in His Final Days

The opulent yet disorderly hideout where notorious drug lord Nemesio “El Mencho”…
Ohio courtroom devolves into chaos after sentencing in death of teen

Explosive Ohio Courtroom Drama: Unraveling Chaos After Teen’s Tragic Sentencing

Emotions reached a boiling point within an Ohio courtroom on Tuesday when…
Montoya Perry, charged with carjacking, killing Uber Eats driver Daniel Figueroa with own car on West Side, has criminal history

Montoya Perry Faces Charges in Fatal Carjacking of Uber Eats Driver Daniel Figueroa on West Side: A Look Into His Criminal Record

A tragic incident unfolded in the suburbs of Chicago as a woman…
DOJ sought to 'brief' Biden on Mar-a-Lago raid before search -- didn't 'give a damn about the optics'

DOJ Prioritized Justice Over Optics: Sought to Inform Biden on Mar-a-Lago Raid Plans Pre-Search

In a revealing twist, recently unearthed emails suggest that the Department of…
Ranking of LA's ‘friendliest’ neighborhoods

Los Angeles Neighborhoods Ranked by Friendliness

Is your community among the friendliest in Los Angeles? According to newly…