(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.
