Ross Chastain gets fired up congratulating Connor Zilisch after Xfinity Series debut win at Watkins Glen

When one Trackhouse driver wins, the entire House wins! Ross Chastain was fired up after Connor Zilisch blasted the Xfinity Series field at Watkins Glen. A truly historic performance from one of the future superstars of NASCAR.

Ross Chastain has accomplished some wild things in his racing career. But watching him celebrate Connor Zilisch’s massive accomplishment was perhaps more exciting for him.

Zilisch, just 18, is the second youngest driver to win in the Xfinity Series. He is only a few weeks older than Joey Logano was when he won his first Xfinity race. The kid is the real deal.

For Trackhouse Racing, this is only the beginning. Chastain was more than happy for Zilisch, who could one day be his Cup Series teammate.

ROSS MAY BE EVEN HAPPIER THAN CONNOR! 🤣@ConnorZilisch 🤝 @RossChastain pic.twitter.com/Gj0Qkwybbb

— Trackhouse Racing (@TeamTrackhouse) September 14, 2024

There have been a lot of drivers with a lot of hype. However, when you look at the things Connor Zilisch has done, it is completely reasonable. Youngest Daytona 24H winner since Pato O’Ward. He won a karting championship that was once won by Charles LeClerc of F1.

Then you talk about his Trans-AM, Mazda MX-5, Late Models, CARS Tour, ARCA, Truck Series, and now – Xfinity Series. The kid has won on ovals, in karts, stock cars, sports cars, and everything that he has stepped in.

Ross Chastain plans on being at Trackhouse Racing for a long time. He knows that Connor Zilisch is going to be a star. It’s great to see a veteran driver take a young rookie under their wing and be as excited as this when they succeed.

Ross Chastain on pole, hoping to give Trackhouse the sweep

Between the ARCA and Xfinity Series wins for Connor Zilisch, Trackhouse Racing only needs one more win for the weekend. It’ll be a clean sweep. Ross Chastain is starting on the pole today after a career-bets qualifying session at The Glen. Maybe Connor gave him some tips.

The last time, and only other time, Chastain won a pole, he won the race. It was Nashville in 2023. So, he is in a great position to play spoiler this afternoon. Road course racing isn’t his expertise, but Chastain is capable of winning on one. He has a checkered flag from COTA.

Trackhouse Racing made the move of the decade by signing Zilisch. This is a team that has the marketing and branding to take themselves and their drivers to the next level in terms of stardom. Watching an emotional Zilisch at Watkins Glen reminded me very much of the classic clip of Jeff Gordon winning the Coke 600 in his first career Cup win. Raw emotion, talent, and passion.

Ross Chastain has a chance to follow Connor Zilisch’s lead. That is what every other driver that has hit the track this weekend has done. There is nothing Chastain loves more than being the bad guy and taking a win away from the rest of the field.