DOVER, DE. — An impressive résumé for Connor Zilisch now includes an ARCA Menards Series victory at Dover Motor Speedway.
The young phenom had to survive an eventful day at the Monster Mile that saw numerous contenders plagued by on-track issues. Zilisch persevered through the chaos to prevail in Friday’s General Tire 150 and obtain his maiden ARCA win.
For Zilisch, the Monster Mile more than lived up to its reputation in his first visit to the historic facility. Bringing home a checkered flag required Zilisch to overcome his own trepidation and utilize all the knowledge he possessed to charge towards the front.
“I can’t even lie, during those first 70 laps I was pretty intimidated,” Zilisch said. “The car was free, but we were sitting under red on the back straightaway and I was like, ‘Damn, I just need to get on the gas’.”
Zilisch has racked up more accomplishments in 2024 alone that most veteran competitors have experienced throughout their careers.
The year opened with Zilisch helping lead Era Motorsport to an LMP2 class victory in the 24 Hours of Daytona. He kept the momentum going in his next endurance event with Era Motorsport at the 12 Hours of Sebring, which concluded with Zilisch picking up another LMP2 triumph.
Efficiency has followed Zilisch into oval racing. He earned his first CARS Tour victory with Pinnacle Racing Group at Hickory Motor Speedway in April and arrived at Dover looking to build more momentum with the organization.
Zilisch’s outing at Dover was far from a smooth process. He initially struggled to find quality track position during the first half of the General Tire 150, but found himself on the front row for a restart after adjusting during a race break.
As he battled William Sawalich hard for the lead, Zilisch made slight contact with the defending ARCA Menards Series champion that sent him into the outside retaining wall. With Sawalich out of the race, Zilisch worked the clean air to his advantage and faced no significant challenge until the checkered flag waved.
Overcoming adversity at Dover capped off a great week for Zilisch.
He was confirmed to three additional NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races with Spire Motorsports, adding to a busy schedule that will also include NASCAR Xfinity Series starts with JR Motorsports.
Zilisch, who is a Trackhouse Racing development driver, knew that Friday’s win would not have been possible without all the assistance PRG provided in the weeks leading up to the General Tire 150. Still only 17 years old, Zilisch has plenty of time to learn and build upon his rapidly growing list of achievements.
“Derek Kneeland on the spotter’s stand and Shane Huffman on the pit box did a great job keeping me in it,” Zilisch said. “I was down on myself running fifth or sixth and couldn’t make up any ground. I’m so thankful for this entire team and everyone at Chevrolet.
“Those restarts were hectic, but we kept it up front and got ourselves a win at the Monster Mile.”
Finishing behind Zilisch in second was Gio Ruggiero, who led early in the General Tire 150 but had to rebound from a restart penalty. Carson Kvapil, Zilisch’s teammate, also fell behind after sustaining a flat tire but still managed to settle for a strong third place run.
Rev Racing teammates Lavar Scott and Andres Perez place fourth and fifth respectively.
Kris Wright, Andy Jankowiak, Greg Van Alst, Caleb Costner and Zachary Tinkle rounded out the top 10.