JR Motorsports driver Connor Zilisch made a grand entrance to the NASCAR Xfinity Series® by claiming the pole and the race win at Watkins Glen International in his first career start.
The 18-year-old driver held off the field through two overtime restarts on the 2.45-mile road course. With his No. 88 Carolina Carports Chevrolet Camaro, Zilisch led 45 of the race’s 90 laps for his debut victory, but it was still hard-earned. Zilisch overcame a late-race penalty and had to conserve fuel while making his way back through the field. Undeterred, Zilisch was able to hang on for the win and became just the seventh NASCAR Xfinity Series® driver to earn a win in their first career start.