Connor Mosack, a once-promising talent under the JR Motorsports banner, has had anything but a straightforward journey in NASCAR. His racing career has been marked by unexpected turns, limited starts and the relentless pursuit of proving himself. He hasn’t only been vying for wins; he has been fighting for his place in the sport. However, now under the support of McAnally-Hilgemann Racing, Mosack is shaping his own legacy in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. At Atlanta, he made a significant stride in his career that shouldn’t go unnoticed.
Mosack’s journey to the top has been anything but smooth. His climb up the ranks hasn’t come with the luxury of full-time rides or extensive seat time, instead, he’s had to fight tooth and nail for each opportunity. His early years were marked by competitions in late models with limited starts, and despite earning a spot in JR Motorsports, owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., his opportunities to shine were sparse. He’s had experiences across various series, from ARCA to Xfinity and now the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, constantly facing the challenge to prove his worth. This season, though, Mosack is intent on rewriting his narrative.
Atlanta Motor Speedway, in the past, hasn’t been particularly kind to Mosack. His single Xfinity Series start in 2023 at the track wasn’t successful. But despite his past, Mosack was ready to make a statement in Atlanta. Following a disappointing season opener in Daytona, where a mechanical DNF led to a 32nd place finish, he was hungry for a breakthrough.
And Mosack did just that. During the qualifying round, he clocked a blistering lap of 173.48 mph in 31.969 seconds, not only securing his first career pole in the Truck Series but also making a bold statement for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing. The same No. 81 Chevrolet Silverado RST that Mosack drove had previously earned the team a pole at Atlanta in 2024. This time, however, it was Mosack’s performance that set him apart from his competitors.
In his post-qualifying interview, Mosack expressed his excitement about the upcoming race, giving credit to his crew chief Blake Bainbridge and the MHR team for putting together an excellent package. His comments reflect the strong team spirit and camaraderie that is key to the success of MHR.
With his first Truck Series victory within reach, Mosack is all set to leverage his momentum in the upcoming 135-lap race. He will be tested on his ability to manage aggressive traffic moves while maintaining drafting strategies. However, his qualifying speed speaks volumes about his readiness for the challenge.
As Mosack gears up for Saturday’s race, he is not only looking to defend his pole position but also convert it into his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series victory. In his two-year stint in the Truck Series, he has had a mixed journey with four top-ten finishes in 11 races, but the ultimate victory has so far been elusive.
His best performance to date, a third-place finish in the 2024 Baptist Health 200, demonstrates his capacity to compete at the top. He understands the immense advantage that comes with qualifying upfront. With his recent surge in confidence, this could very well be the stepping stone to his first win.
The question remains: Can Connor Mosack turn his first pole position into a victory in the NASCAR Truck Series? The potential is undoubtedly there. With the right strategy and backing from his team, he could very well shatter the glass ceiling. Will this be the moment he finally claims the checkered flag? The answer remains to be seen, and the best place to find out would be at Saturday’s race.