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Rising NASCAR Star Connor Zilisch Rejects ‘Villain’ Tag, Calls Out Hocevar’s Aggressive Tactics

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
March 2, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Rising NASCAR Star Connor Zilisch Rejects ‘Villain’ Tag, Calls Out Hocevar’s Aggressive Tactics

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

Emerging NASCAR driver, Connor Zilisch, has recently demonstrated an unusual level of maturity for his 18 years. Despite basking in the afterglow of his triumphant win in the Focused Health 250 at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), Zilisch was quick to address his aggressive driving style. “I did not drive a clean race at all. Sorry to everyone that I hit,” he revealed in a surprising admission. This candid statement came from a driver who had just clawed his way from the back of the pack to secure his second Xfinity Series victory.

Zilisch’s apology stands in stark contrast to the recent behavior of Carson Hocevar, another rising star of NASCAR. Hocevar made waves with his unapologetic and aggressive driving in Atlanta just a week prior. His tactics may have landed him in the headlines, but they also earned him the ire of his fellow drivers. Unfazed by the backlash, Hocevar continued his unwavering approach. However, Zilisch articulated a different perspective. He openly criticized Hocevar’s conduct and voiced his disinterest in becoming the next ‘supervillain’ of the NASCAR world.

Zilisch is rapidly making a name for himself in the racing scene. His driving prowess has drawn comparisons to Joey Logano, and he enjoys the support of Dale Earnhardt Jr. Yet, his understanding of the politics of the sport sets him apart. He told the Rubbin’ is Racing podcast that he has no intention of becoming NASCAR’s next bad guy. In explaining his position, he took a subtle jab at Hocevar, who appears to relish the role of the villain.

Addressing the tightrope walk between aggression and respect in the Cup Series, Zilisch remarked, “Yeah, it’s a fine line that you walk, right? You don’t want to go out there and let them bully you and take advantage of you because you’re a rookie. But at the same time, you can’t overdo it and do what Carson did this weekend and piss everyone off, because that’s how you get yourself in trouble. Once you lose other people’s respect, it’s really hard to get it back.”

Hocevar’s brazen tactics may have earned him a career-best second place in Atlanta, but it also garnered him critics among veteran drivers, including Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch. Despite the criticism, Hocevar held firm, stating, “I race for me, myself and I.” This statement illuminates the stark contrast between the two young drivers. Hocevar’s unapologetic aggression versus Zilisch’s drive to gain trust and respect.

Zilisch’s recent Xfinity Series win at COTA was not without controversy. He had a run-in with Corey Heim and even locked horns with his teammate, Carson Kvapil. Unlike Hocevar, however, Zilisch chose to introspect and admit his faults. “I made some moves that were probably questionable, and I’ve got some sorry to say,” he confessed after crossing the finish line.

While Zilisch has shown maturity, he isn’t entirely above reproach. Dale Jr.’s veteran Xfinity Champion had a bone to pick with Zilisch after a tussle on the track. “We will have to sit down and talk about it to see what his mindset was in that moment. I don’t know if I wasn’t there that he was making the corner to be honest with you,” they said.

Irrespective of the debate over the next NASCAR villain, Zilisch has his sights set on a larger goal. After his recent Xfinity race win at COTA, he hopes to become the youngest driver to win a cup race. He has expressed his ambition to shatter Joey Logano’s 16-year-old record and etch his name in the annals of NASCAR history.

As he climbs the ranks, Zilisch is under the tutelage of one of NASCAR’s most accomplished road course racers, Shane van Gisbergen (SVG). SVG, a New Zealand native and Cup Series debut winner in Chicago, has taken Zilisch under his wing. SVG’s extensive experience in various racing disciplines makes him an ideal mentor for Zilisch.

Zilisch’s true test will come this Sunday at COTA. He starts 14th in his Cup debut. While his recent Xfinity win will undoubtedly boost his confidence, he knows he’s up against some of NASCAR’s best. One thing is for certain; the entire NASCAR community will be watching Zilisch’s progress with keen interest.

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