In one of the most thrilling road course showdowns of the season, Connor Zilisch outdueled Shane van Gisbergen to win the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Sonoma Raceway. The two JR Motorsports teammates traded blows, exchanged the lead multiple times, and pushed each other to the limit in a battle that was both aggressive and respectful—a rare combination in today’s racing.
From the first lap to the final corner, the Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 turned into a two-man chess match. But when the dust settled in wine country, it was Zilisch who pulled off the move that mattered most.
A Duel from the Drop of the Green
Right from the start, Shane van Gisbergen launched cleanly and held the inside line into Turn 2, looking to control the early pace. But the opening laps quickly turned physical, with contact and off-track excursions behind the leaders. Daniel Dye and Austin Green went wide early, while rookie Dean Thompson narrowly escaped trouble.
Up front, SVG looked to set a smooth tone, but Zilisch was relentless. The two traded the lead several times in Stage 1, including a textbook move by Zilisch into Turn 11 and a dramatic crossover by SVG that had the crowd buzzing. Sam Mayer briefly entered the picture, nearly sneaking into second as the leaders fought for inches.
What made the early battle especially impressive was how close Zilisch could follow SVG lap after lap—rare for any driver, let alone a rookie, on a technical road course. SVG’s line selection and grip management were near-perfect, but Zilisch wasn’t backing down.
Pit Strategy Sets the Stage
As the race progressed, pit strategy became just as important as on-track positioning. Teams began considering early stops around Lap 10–16 to set themselves up for Stage 2 and the final segment. Zilisch and SVG both came in during that window, along with Jesse Love, who was struggling with rear vibration and what he described as a dragging sensation.
SVG’s crew noted his complaints about rear grip—especially in right-handers—and made chassis adjustments to help him stay planted. Zilisch, meanwhile, requested more forward drive but said he was overall happy with how the car changed directions.
As both drivers returned to the track, the stage was set for another brawl. Though they weren’t battling for the lead just yet, positioning themselves ahead of one another on pit exit was crucial, as both teams knew a caution could reshuffle the order in an instant.
Respect with a Hint of Ruthlessness
Stage 2 continued the showcase. Zilisch, who had learned the hard way in Chicago the week prior, drove with renewed urgency. He told his team he needed to take positions before they were taken from him—and he lived up to that mindset. In one remarkable moment, SVG made a move for the lead and gave Zilisch a thumbs-up out the window. It was a rare gesture of appreciation during an active battle.
Despite trading the lead, neither driver crossed the line. Zilisch defended tightly into Turn 11, while SVG countered with sweeping entries into Turn 10, even dipping into the dirt to widen his exit arc. For several laps, fans watched as the pair played a high-speed game of cat and mouse—SVG looking for any opening, Zilisch shutting the door each time.
Behind them, Brandon Jones took Stage 2 honors, and drivers like Sam Mayer and Austin Hill collected valuable points. But the spotlight never left the front two.
Contact, Cautions, and Closing Laps
As the final stage unfolded, tempers flared further back in the field. Jeremy Clements got turned in Turn 11, Ryan Sieg and Brennan Poole tangled through Turn 7, and the No. 16 car suffered recurring tire issues that eventually took them out of contention.
Despite the chaos, Zilisch and SVG remained laser-focused on each other. With Dale Earnhardt Jr. watching his two cars duke it out, the gap between them stayed razor-thin. On one late restart, SVG threw everything he had at Turn 11, trying to get inside of Zilisch, but came up just short.
Both cars battled tire falloff, especially in the rear, but the handling never broke down enough to cause a critical mistake. In the closing laps, Zilisch knew he had to hold a perfect line to keep SVG behind—and he did just that. He defended aggressively through Turn 7 and nailed his entry into Turn 11 on the final lap.
A New Star on the Rise
When Zilisch crossed the finish line, it marked his third Xfinity Series win of the season and the fourth of his young career. The 17-year-old continues to impress on every type of track but has especially made a name for himself on road courses. More than anything, Sonoma showed he can go toe-to-toe with one of the best road racers in the world and come out on top.
SVG, meanwhile, was gracious in defeat—still smiling and still learning. The New Zealand native has rapidly adapted to NASCAR but knows this young American is no easy opponent.
News In Brief: Top Highlights from The Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250
With two more road courses before the Xfinity Series playoffs begin, all eyes are now on the next big duel between Zilisch and van Gisbergen. The next chapter? Watkins Glen, where SVG will pilot the No. 9 car—a new twist to the storyline.
If Sonoma was any indication, fans should expect another thriller. These two might be teammates, but when the helmets go on, it’s all-out war—fought with class, skill, and just the right amount of attitude.
Zilisch may have won the battle in wine country, but the war on the road courses is far from over.
