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Connor Zilisch makes incredible move to beat Sam Mayer for Stage 2 win at Bristol

JHby: Jonathan Howard11 hours agoJondean25
Connor Zilisch Sam Mayer Bristol
Screenshot credit: NASCAR Xfinity via X.com

An incredible move from Connor Zilisch gave him the lead on the last lap of Stage 2 tonight at Bristol over Sam Mayer. Just when it looked like he was going to have to settle for second, Zilisch found a lane and made the pass on his NASCAR Xfinity Series rival.

Sam Mayer, Justin Allgaier, and Connor Zilisch have been top of the class tonight. If the trend holds, tonight’s winner will be one of those three drivers.

We got a taste of what we might see at the end of his race in Stage 2. Zilisch took a peek, it didn’t work, and he still managed to find a lane to make the pass before the finish. What a move.

Connor Zilisch is doing things that we haven’t seen a driver do for a long time. At 19 years old, he shows up every week with a fast car and is always a threat to win a race. He has been fast tonight and should be in contention for the win.

Connor Zilisch ties Xfinity Series record with P5 finish

So, the win streak has come to an end. No big deal. Connor Zilisch is going to be +85 points going into Kansas and should be fine to make the Round of 8 in the Xfinity Series Playoffs. While one streak was broken, another continued. Zilisch has once again finished in the top-five.

P5 tonight was disappointing. But that is the 15th straight race Zilisch has had a finish of P5 or better. That streak ties an Xfinity Series record. I have a feeling he is going to be fast again at Kansas and will be looking to restart his streak.

The last pit call that Mardy Lindley made tonight was the wrong one. Aric Almirola stayed out on tires and was able to win this race over drivers with fresher ones. It was a head scratcher of sorts, but looking back, Zilisch should have stayed out.

Connor Zilisch is still the favorite to win the Xfinity Series championship. And what does it say about the level he has risen to that P5 is a frustrating night at Bristol? A lot of talent in that kid and he will continue to show it as these playoffs continue.