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Connor Zilisch Triumphs at Focused Health 250 Despite Early Setbacks: A Thrilling Recap of the Xfinity Series Race at COTA

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
March 2, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
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Connor Zilisch Triumphs at Focused Health 250 Despite Early Setbacks: A Thrilling Recap of the Xfinity Series Race at COTA

WeatherTech Chevrolet driver Connor Zilisch (88) celebrates winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series Focused Health 250 at Circuit of the Americas on Saturday, March 1, 2025 in Austin.

Despite multiple setbacks and intense competition, 18-year-old racing prodigy Connor Zilisch demonstrated his exceptional skills and resilience at the exhilarating NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Circuit of the Americas on Saturday. Zilisch’s victory in the Focused Health 250 was a testament to his tenacity and driving prowess, proving once again why he is a force to be reckoned with on the race track.

Initially, a commitment line violation forced Zilisch to the back of the pack. A sudden closure of the pit road during the race’s second caution resulted in Zilisch restarting at 32nd place after the first stage break. However, undeterred, the young racer skillfully navigated through the field, and took the lead from Carson Kvapil on the 56th lap of the 65-lap race around the 2.4-mile, 17-turn circuit.

A fierce clash with Corey Heim’s Toyota also failed to hamper Zilisch’s race. The wheel-to-wheel combat damaged the right front fender of Zilisch’s No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet, causing a severe tire rub under hard braking. Even so, Zilisch maintained his position, his determination unwavering.

Next, teammate Carson Kvapil attempted to snatch the lead, but Zilisch successfully held him off. A flat tire on Kvapil’s car on lap 60 gave Zilisch the space he needed to secure his position and drive his vehicle across the finish line.

William Byron, who finished as the runner-up, managed to trim Zilisch’s four-second lead down to 1.639s by the race’s end. Despite this, he couldn’t pose a significant challenge in the final laps. Zilisch’s victory at the Focused Health 250 marks his second Xfinity Series win, adding to his debut victory last summer at Watkins Glen.

Reflecting on the race, Zilisch candidly admitted, “That was way harder than I wanted it to be.” He acknowledged the tactical errors he made during the race, and confessed to feeling “mentally fogged” at certain points. “I made way too many mistakes … I was glad we were able to fight back,” he added, emphasizing his resilience.

Byron, who drove the No. 17 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet that won last year’s Xfinity race at COTA with Kyle Larson, also had his share of difficulties. “My car was just kind of floppy in the short run, and I had to try to take care of it,” Byron shared, expressing satisfaction nonetheless with the race’s outcome and the valuable experience gained. He also expressed optimism for the NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday.

Zilisch, too, is eager for the upcoming Sunday race. He will be making his NASCAR Cup Series debut in the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix. He’s slated to start at 14th place.

The race saw Sam Mayer securing the third position, followed by Austin Hill, the Atlanta winner from the previous week, finishing fourth. Hill made an impressive run from fourth to first after a lap 46 restart, but his lead was short-lived. A slip-up on lap 52 allowed Kvapil and Zilisch to overtake him. Christian Eckes wrapped up the race in fifth place, with Jesse Love, Taylor Gray, Ross Chastain, William Sawalich, and Blaine Perkins making up the rest of the top 10.

In conclusion, Zilisch’s triumph in the Xfinity Series race at COTA is a vivid display of his talent and perseverance. Despite the challenges thrown his way, he demonstrated unwavering resolve, proving that he is a rising star to watch out for in the world of racing. His upcoming debut in the NASCAR Cup Series is eagerly awaited by fans and competitors alike.

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