Connor Zilisch entered Daytona as one of NASCAR’s most promising young stars—but left frustrated, wrecked, and calling out a veteran driver.
The 18-year-old sensation was on track for a top-five finish in the 2025 United Rentals 250 before Sheldon Creed’s blocking antics sent him slamming into the wall with just two laps to go.
Zilisch vs. Creed: The Clash That Ruined Daytona Dreams
Zilisch was working with JR Motorsports teammate Justin Allgaier, using superspeedway strategy to push toward the front when Creed made a costly move.
🚨 WHAT HAPPENED:
🔹 Creed slowed down unexpectedly, catching Zilisch off guard.
🔹 Zilisch, with nowhere to go, slammed into the rear of Creed’s car.
🔹 His No. 88 Chevrolet shot into the outside wall, collecting multiple cars in the aftermath.
🔹 William Sawalich and Christian Eckes were also caught in the melee.
🚨 THE AFTERMATH:
🔹 Zilisch, who had been fighting inside the top five, ended up finishing a disappointing P27.
🔹 The race went into overtime, but JR Motorsports was already out of contention.
Zilisch Fires Back at Creed: ‘Pick a Lane!’
When asked about the incident, Zilisch didn’t hold back:
“Yeah, I mean if you’re gonna block, pick a lane! And he was trying to block both lanes.”
“You know, I get it—two laps to go. But it’s just tough to manage that one. I’m on his left rear trying to get a run, I’m getting a push from behind, and he’s half-blocking… Kinda wished he’d picked in front of me or picked the top.”
Even before blaming Creed, Zilisch wanted confirmation that his frustration was justified:
“You know, I want someone else to tell me before I look like a clown and blame it on someone.”
The Bigger Picture: Zilisch Proves He’s More Than a Road Course Ace
Despite the wreck, Zilisch showed why NASCAR veterans like AJ Allmendinger believe he’s the next superstar.
“As we’ve all seen, he’s going to be the next superstar.” – AJ Allmendinger on Zilisch
The 2024 Watkins Glen winner is known for his road-course prowess, but his performance at Daytona proved he can run up front on superspeedways, too.
His battle with Jesse Love—another rising NASCAR star—offered a glimpse into the future of the sport.
What’s Next? A Rookie With a Chip on His Shoulder
Zilisch may have left Daytona disappointed, but one thing is clear—he’s coming back with a vengeance.
With a growing reputation and fearless driving style, expect him to be a force all season long.
