Connor Zilisch Returns to Victory Lane Safely at Watkins Glen

Kelsey Christman - Staff Writer

Justin Marks comes prepared with a cushion for Connor Zilisch’s victory lane celebration after the fall during his last trip to victory lane at Watkins Glen. (Chris Graythen, Getty Images, May 2026)

Watkins Glen, NY - O’Reilly Auto Parts returned to the east coast at Watkins Glen International for the Mission 200 at The Glen. JR Motorsports led the field to green with Rajah Caruth on the pole and teammate, Justin Algaier, on the outside of him. Sheldon Creed was sent to the rear for the start of the race after a spin in practice led to damage repairs. Joining Creed at the rear of the field, Dean Thompson’s team went to work on transmission problems, and Matt Wilson made repairs for power steering and brakes.

The battle for positions began as soon as the green flag waved. Caruth ran wide into Turn 1 allowing Sam Mayer to take the leave and sending Caruth back to 4th. By Lap 9, Connor Zilisch raced his way from 17th to 3rd. William Sawalich reported mechanical issues as his engine blew on Lap 16. He made it to the garage while the field stayed green. At the conclusion of Stage One, Brent Crews became the youngest driver to win a stage in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. 

Cup Series drivers, Shane Van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch, led the field to green to start Stage Two as they chose the strategy to flip the stage by pitting before the break. Within one lap, the field returned to caution as Lavar Scott spun in Turn One while Jeremy Clements was sent into the tire barrier to avoid collision. Lap 34, debris was to blame for the caution as Scott spun simultaneously. Zilisch held the lead over SVG to the end of stage for the stage win. During the stage break, SVG collided with Zilisch as he exited his pit resulting in damage significant enough for a second trip to pit road for Van Gisbergen. 

Crews started in the front for the final stage of the race. Just a lap after going green, Creed ran off course into the grass off the bus stop for an air filled ride. As the final round of green flag pit stops closed, five cars remained on the track and in a position to save fuel to make it to the checkered flag. With five laps to go, Zilisch, the leading car of those who did pit during the cycle, had raced his way to second while Love held a 2.26 second lead over him. Lap 77 brought issues for Zilisch as he ran into the grass as he exited the bus stop before making contact with the wall resulting in damage. 

In Turn 7 of the final lap, Zilisch caught Love for the pass to win by 0.262 seconds. This win marks the eighth for JR Motorsports this season. After his fall during his last trip to victory lane at Watkins Glen, Trackhouse Racing owner, Justin Marks, came prepared to keep his driver safe for their Cup Series run. Marks presented a cushion below Zilisch as he exited the No. 1 Chevy. 

UP NEXT:

The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will head to Dover Motor Speedway for the BetRivers 200. The race will be at 4:00 PM ET on Saturday, May 16th, and can be found on CW.