Connor Zilisch remains unbeaten in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Watkins Glen.
The 19-year-old’s third NOAPS victory at The Glen did not come easy, however, as he had to track down Jesse Love in the closing laps.
In the final turn, Zilisch powered his No. 1 JR Motorsports car past Love’s No. 2 Richard Childress Racing machine and claimed the victory in Saturday’s Mission 200 at The Glen. It was Zilisch’s second NOAPS of 2026 and 13th career victory.
Zilisch has won all of his three career starts at Watkins Glen, with his 2024 victory being his first career win in his first career start.
Zilisch, Love react to chaotic NASCAR O’Reilly finish
Zilisch did everything in his power to catch Love in the closing laps.
Despite ramming through the grass at one point and causing damage to the front of his car, Zilisch managed to close the gap and pull off the win. In his post-race interview with The CW, Zilisch made it clear he was not going to rough up Love for the win.
Unfortunately for Love, he locked up the brakes in the final corner, allowing Zilisch to get by.
“I was driving as hard as I could for all 30 of those laps and just trying to make up that gap. I wasn’t going to move Jesse in the last corner there, but he got in deep and I was able to get by,” Zilisch said.
It was at Watkins Glen last year where Zilisch had a scary fall off the top of his car during the victory lane celebration. Zilisch suffered a broken collarbone in the incident.
After Saturday’s race, Zilisch joked that he was able to safely celebrate this time around.
“It really means a lot to get another one here and get out of the car safely and make it onto the ground without trying to kill myself,” Zilisch said.
While Zilisch had reason to celebrate, Love was left dejected after falling short of a victory.
“All I want to do is beat Connor here. We’re best friends and we’ve caused each other a lot of pain. I didn’t execute when I needed to and I think the reason I’m so quiet is I’m just embarrassed. As a driver, you can’t make those mistakes. It was such a bad mistake it’s just embarrassing,” Love said.
Brent Crews wins stage, points update after The Glen
Although he came home in sixth place, Brent Crews impressed on Saturday at Watkins Glen.
The driver of the No. 19 led a race-high 32 of 82 laps, won the opening stage, finished second in stage two, and set the fastest lap of the race. However, a slow pit stop on the final cycle of green flag stops thwarted his chances of a win.
After 13 races, Justin Allgaier continues to lead the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series points standings. The driver of the No. 7 has a 155-point lead over Sheldon Creed, who sits in second.
Third is Love (-161), fourth is Brandon Jones (-207), and fifth is Corey Day (-218).
Connor Zilisch Outduels Jesse Love For Thrilling NASCAR O’Reilly Win at Watkins Glen