Connor Zilisch reacts to frustrating end to ARCA East championship race

Connor Zilisch only had to finish 11th or better to win the ARCA East championship tonight, but his day is over. Now, he has to wait and see if William Sawalich makes a mistake tonight at Bristol. It’s doubtful.

Amber Balcaen and Logan Misucara were going at each other on track. They had been in an earlier incident in the race. Misucara, racing for Rev Racing in a third car tonight, found herself spinning out on the track.

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Race leader, Connor Zilisch, was unable to avoid her on the track. He slammed into the No. 9 car as it slid down the track and his day was over.

Zilisch spoke out after leaving the care center.

“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.”

Hear from @ConnorZilisch following his crash Thursday evening during the Bush's Beans 200.

📺 @FS1 | @ItsBristolBaby pic.twitter.com/Fq3UifAVNp

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) September 19, 2024

Speaking to Matt Weaver of Sportsnaut afterward, Zilisch had a little more to say. He noted he saw Misucara “crying” in the care center about how Balcaen raced her on the track. Ultimately, Zilisch is hoping that his Truck Series start goes better tonight.

Connor Zilisch chooses to bite his lip about ARCA wreck

After getting wrecked out of a championship race, a driver could say a lot. And they would have a right to say a lot in the position that Connor Zilisch is in. The kid has been on a hot streak unlike many others, and now he is out of a championship for drivers fighting for a spot in the top-25.

On his X account, formerly known as Twitter, Zilisch expressed even more displeasure.

“Lots of things I want to say right now that I’ll bite my lip on, but more important than anything I’m so proud of [my team]. This year has been an absolute blast and [one] race doesn’t define us. Still have a truck race tonight to look forward to.”

A tough way to end his ARCA career. But Connor Zilisch has a lot bigger and better things to look forward to. He will race the truck tonight and then fly to Indianapolis for the IMSA race in the LMP2 category.