Connor Zilisch: The Comeback Kid of NASCAR Xfinity Dominates Portland After Shocking Collarbone Surgery!
In a stunning narrative of resilience and talent, 19-year-old Connor Zilisch has officially cemented his status as a force to be reckoned with in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Just three weeks post-surgery for a broken collarbone—sustained during a wild Victory Lane celebration at Watkins Glen—Zilisch made a jaw-dropping return to the racetrack at Portland, where he unleashed his full potential and secured his eighth victory of the 2025 season.
The young driver, who has now claimed six wins in just seven races, showcased an unmatched combination of grit and skill. Despite the lingering pain from his recent surgery, Zilisch navigated through a series of chaotic late-race restarts, ultimately emerging victorious and proving that nothing can hold him back. “It hurt, but it hurt so good,” Zilisch exclaimed as he celebrated, humorously climbing from his car through the roof hatch—this time ensuring the window net stayed inside.
Zilisch’s journey to victory was not without its challenges. On the final restart, it was Austin Hill who initially held the lead, but Zilisch—ever the fierce competitor—quickly reclaimed his position. In a pivotal moment during the race, he opted for the NASCAR-designated alternate route into Turn 1, a strategic move that paid off. While Sammy Smith, who was leading, found himself spun out in the melee, Zilisch emerged from the smoke, maintaining his lead with William Sawalich hot on his heels.
As the race unfolded, Zilisch demonstrated his mastery from the start, dominating the opening stage and building a remarkable 15-second lead over the competition. The drama intensified with multiple cars going off-track, including Sawalich, who had been in fourth place, and Dean Thompson, who faced an unscheduled pit stop after spinning out. While the race was fraught with incidents—none severe enough to trigger a full-course caution—Zilisch remained unfazed, crossing the finish line for the stage victory nearly nine seconds ahead of Hill.
However, the final stage presented its own set of challenges. With just 12 laps to go, the tension escalated when Sheldon Creed faced tire troubles and Anthony Alfredo stalled, setting the stage for a chaotic restart. Zilisch found himself in the thick of it as cars collided around him, but he managed to navigate the mayhem and ultimately seize control once more. Although Jack Perkins climbed to third, he too fell victim to the track’s unpredictability, becoming stuck and forcing the race into overtime.
This nail-biting conclusion saw Zilisch reclaim his lead decisively, propelling himself toward the checkered flag and solidifying his position at the top of the regular season standings. The young star’s remarkable comeback and fierce determination not only captivated fans but also sent a clear message: Connor Zilisch is a name that will be echoed throughout NASCAR for years to come.
As the dust settles in Portland, one thing is clear—Zilisch’s journey is far from over, and the racing world is eagerly watching as he continues to defy the odds and drive his way to greatness.