Connor Zilisch, other leaders penalized for painful bus stop mistake at Watkins Glen

Disaster for Connor Zilisch in his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut. Ty Gibbs and Sam Mayer led him astray and he’s paying for it. The 18-year-old followed Gibbs and Mayer as they cut the bus stop under caution.

With a rare caution falling during green flag runs, Connor Zilisch was in a good position. He had moved himself to P3 and had a real shot to race for the win at the end. Now, that doesn’t look like it will be possible with just over 30 laps to go.

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For some reason, Gibbs and Mayer thought they could cut the bus stop and Zilisch followed. That’s going to put all three drivers to the rear of the field.

TY GIBBS, SAM MAYER AND CONNOR ZILISCH ALL GET PENALIZED!

They all went through the bus stop, something you can't do under green OR under yellow. 😳 pic.twitter.com/RelmbvNjLt

— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) September 14, 2024

Connor Zilisch had been running a perfect race. He won Stage 1 by 10 seconds and was on his way to dominate the race after his pit cycle played out. However, this penalty is going to get in the way of that.

As for Ty Gibbs and Sam Mayer, what were they thinking? Zilisch played follow the leader as a first-time driver in the series. Gibbs and Mayer know better and could have possibly ruined Zilisch’s day over a silly brainfart.

Let’s see how it plays out.

Connor Zilisch overcomes penalty, wins at Watkins Glen

In an amazing fuel-saving performance, Connor Zilisch put on a show and wins in his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut! 18 years old and a win at Watkins Glen over Cup Series talents in the Xfinity Series. This kid is the real deal.

Even when other drivers ran out of fuel, Connor Zilisch was able to save enough to win and do a burnout. This race had an extended red flag, multiple overtimes, and Zilisch held on long enough to win.

He was emotional after the finish.

“I don’t even have words. I’ve worked so hard for this one,” Zilisch said, fighting back tears. “I’ve been working for this one for months and it’s so special to me man. I don’t even have words right now. I don’t know how I saved enough, I sputtered up the hill with two to go I didn’t think I was going to make it back to the line, I was saving the last two laps. But man, I’m going to enjoy this one for a while.”