Connor Zilisch’s Iowa NASCAR race setback unfolded dramatically at Iowa Speedway, where the 19-year-old Red Bull driver’s bid for a fourth consecutive win and championship momentum was derailed by a botched pit stop and a frenzied final restart late in the race. Despite showing the pace to dominate, an error during service and late-race contact dashed Zilisch’s hopes and proved just how quickly fortunes can shift in NASCAR competition.
Pit Stop Misfortune Disrupts Zilisch’s Momentum
Arriving at the HyVee Perks 250 with a streak of three consecutive victories, Zilisch looked ready to make it four, commanding his No. 88 JRM Chevrolet from the fourth starting position. The Charlotte native impressed during Stage 1, leading convincingly and capturing the stage win. However, during the pit stop that followed, the crew failed to fully tighten the left front wheel’s lugs, a minor oversight with major consequences.
This error led to a significant drop, sending Zilisch all the way back to 25th when racing resumed on Lap 71. Though his Chevrolet was still fast, navigating through heavy traffic on a loose car made positions hard to gain. As the laps of Stage 2 wore on, the car’s handling issues intensified, further compounding his uphill battle.
Three-Wide Tangle Forces Title Hopefuls from Contention
The turning point arrived on Lap 214, with Zilisch in the middle of intense battling. While racing three-wide under Ross Chastain’s No. 9 car, contact triggered a chain reaction. The clash sent Chastain up into teammate Justin Allgaier, ending realistic chances for either JRM contender to win in Iowa. Both drivers’ championship efforts suffered major blows as a result of the incident.
Zilisch Accepts Blame and Explains the Contact
After the race, Zilisch was candid in accepting responsibility when questioned by reporters. He recounted the sequence of events and the aerodynamic factors that played a role.
“I mean, I was underneath the No. 9, and the No. 7 was on older tires. The No. 9 was trying to fill the middle and kind of came down and took my air away and got me a little free,”
—Connor Zilisch, Driver
He also addressed his interactions with Chastain and the impact of the moment on Justin Allgaier’s day, expressing regret and accountability.
“I talked to Ross (Chastain) about it. He said, he probably could’ve not shot the middle, and you know I probably could’ve maybe just gone into the corner easier, I don’t know. I feel really bad for the No. 7 team and Justin (Allgaier). I hate that I did that to them. I apologise to the No. 7 team,”
—Connor Zilisch, Driver
Final Restart Adds to Frustration and Compounds Setback
Hoping for a chance at redemption during the last restart, Zilisch found himself on the outside as the field bunched up and went three-wide once more. The position left him vulnerable, with little room to maneuver, resulting in lost ground as others jostled for advantage.
“I was outside, and obviously the No. 2 car just, you know, middle three wide and everything shuffled to the top, and I got the bad end of it and just kind of got stuck out there, and guys were using me up,”
—Connor Zilisch, Driver
Although he fought valiantly, the turbulent events left him settling for a fourth-place finish—a stark contrast to the win he seemed destined for. The disappointment in his voice was unmistakable as he looked back on what might have been.
“So, yeah, a little frustrating, I feel like we had a car capable of winning the race, just didn’t quite get put in the right scenarios there at the end, and the restarts didn’t quite go our way.”
—Connor Zilisch, Driver
Championship Lead Intact Despite Difficult Race
Teammate Justin Allgaier, who was a casualty in the on-track chaos, finished in 16th after the dramatic spin, but Zilisch’s fourth-place kept him atop the overall points standings. With 772 points, five wins, 13 top-10s, and 11 top-five finishes so far, Zilisch continues to lead the NASCAR Xfinity Series title chase, despite the stinging lessons and emotional toll from the Iowa Speedway disappointment. As the season moves forward and the Red Bull-JRM team regroup, Zilisch’s resolve and racing acumen will be put to the test, as every lap and decision becomes crucial in the tight championship battle.
