Connor Zilisch championship hopes in jeopardy after wreck with Logan Misucara

Disaster in the ARCA Menards Series race for Connor Zilisch. He slams into a Logan Misucara as she wrecks a lap down. Zilisch has to hope William Sawalich has a major problem tonight or else the Joe Gibbs Racing driver will repeat as ARCA East champion.

Connor Zilisch won the pole and was in another epic battle with William Sawalich. Landen Lewis was pressuring the ARCA East points leaders, too.

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Logan Misucara spun out as the leaders lapped her, and Zilisch was unable to avoid the car as it came back up the track. Just a tough way to end his race. He will start on the pole in the Truck Series tonight as well.

Wow. Connor Zilisch's ARCA race is over at Bristol. https://t.co/LYCRMPVPBe pic.twitter.com/dSxTRDDV9F

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) September 19, 2024

Even at 18 years old, Connor Zilisch has maturity off and on the track. He didn’t point many fingers. He stated what happened after his wreck and thanked his team. Still, his frustration was clear.

“I’m fine. Just the 9 and the 22, they got together,” Zilisch said. “9 hit the fence up at the top of the track and I don’t know if she didn’t hold the brake or what but came down the track right in front of me and ended our day.

“So, I hate to end a season like that and lose a championship in that way too, it’s frustrating. But we’ve had a hell of a year with our Pinnacle Racing Group team and everyone at Silver Hare Racing and nothing to hang our heads on. Just a frustrating way to go out.”

When asked about his championship hopes, Zilisch remained humble. He put in a lot of work, but an eight-race season means you can’t have any mistakes.

“Yeah really proud there’s nothing to be too upset about. Obviously, one race can end a championship and when it’s an eight race championship any one race can take you out of contention. So, frustrating way to end it but still a lot to be proud of. I got a truck race later tonight so I guess I got something to look forward to at least.”

Connor Zilisch will likely never race in ARCA again after this year. When he goes full-time Xfinity Series racing in 2025, this will be but a funny memory I’m sure. However, in the moment, he lost a championship, and that is more than frustrating.

Tonight in the Truck Series race, Zilisch gets to prove he is the driver we think he is. He won the pole, shocking many, and will hope to win the race at The Last Great Colosseum.