The NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen International delivered a mix of precision driving, heated battles, and dramatic incidents. Connor Zilisch emerged as the standout, earning his sixth win of the season and going back-to-back at the historic New York road course. The event was defined by intense duels at the front, multiple cautions, and a finale that kept fans on edge until the checkered flag.
Key Highlights
Connor Zilich scored his sixth victory of the 2025 season and second straight at Watkins Glen.
Shane van Gisbergen was eliminated after hard contact during a lead battle with Zilich.
Justin Allgaier won Stage 1, while Zilich claimed Stage 2.
Multi-car crashes and bold restarts shaped the race’s final outcome.
Late-race charges by Sam Mayer and others kept the pressure on Zilich until the end.
Early Control by Zilisch and Allgaier’s Stage 1 Triumph
From the drop of the green flag, Connor Zilich asserted himself at the front of the field, fending off Shane van Gisbergen and a host of challengers. Behind them, Sam Mayer worked his way into third while Justin Allgaier and Austin Hill looked for opportunities to advance.
An early spin by Ryan Sieg didn’t slow the race, but Josh Bilicki’s trip into the gravel trap brought out the first caution. On the restart, Van Gisbergen pressed Zilich hard, but William Sawalich’s presence in the top three allowed Zilich to edge away.
As Stage 1 wound down, Allgaier was locked in a tight fight with Taylor Gray. With calculated defense and strong exit speed, Allgaier held on to secure his eighth stage win of the season — the most among Xfinity drivers in 2025.
Zilich’s Stage 2 Masterclass
Pit strategy became a talking point after Stage 1, with Allgaier debating whether to stay out but ultimately opting for fresh tires. Taylor Gray’s team also made adjustments to manage high temperatures, while Zilich’s crew focused on keeping him comfortable in the lead.
When Stage 2 began, Zilich quickly built a gap as Van Gisbergen lost momentum exiting the opening corners. Daniel Dye, Michael McDowell, and Thomas Annunziata provided mid-pack action, but up front, Zillich controlled the tempo.
Shane van Gisbergen and Sam Mayer traded positions in the closing laps of the stage, but neither could challenge the leader. Zilich claimed Stage 2, marking his sixth stage win of 2025 — and building confidence heading into the decisive run to the finish.
The Turning Point: Zilich vs. Van Gisbergen
The final stage began with two of the best road racers in the field — Zilich and Van Gisbergen — going wheel-to-wheel. The pair swapped momentum through the S’s, each looking for an opening into the bus stop and carousel.
The battle reached its climax when Zilich attempted to position himself alongside Van Gisbergen in a braking zone. Contact ensued, sending Van Gisbergen into the wall with heavy damage. The crash ended the New Zealander’s race and drew a caution.
Both drivers downplayed any intentional wrongdoing, with the incident more likely a product of Watkins Glen’s blind spots and close-quarters racing. Still, it was a decisive moment that removed one of Zillch’s toughest rivals from contention.
Hill, McDowell, and the Multi-Car Crash
On the restart following the Van Gisbergen incident, Austin Hill made his presence felt. A nudge to Zilich in Turn 1 sent the No. 88 wide, allowing Hill to grab the lead. Michael McDowell then inserted himself into the mix, eventually taking control after a bold move from the outside lane.
The battle was short-lived. Contact between Hill, McDowell, and other contenders triggered a massive crash that collected Taylor Gray and others. Visibility issues compounded the chaos as cars slowed at different rates, forcing safety crews into immediate action. Fortunately, all drivers were checked and released after the incident.
Final Restarts and Zilich’s Winning Drive
With the race winding down, multiple late restarts reshuffled the order. Sammy Smith briefly surged to the lead before Parker Retzlaff reclaimed the spot. More contact and off-track excursions shuffled positions once again, bringing Zilich back into the top three.
Sam Mayer, who had been lurking all race, mounted a late charge. He pressured Zilich through the carousel and Turn 6, but Zilich’s pace and composure were unmatched. Managing the gap in the closing corners, Zilich took the white flag without further incident and powered to the checkered flag.
The win marked his sixth of the season, showcasing versatility across track types and reinforcing his status as one of the series’ top talents. His back-to-back triumphs at Watkins Glen cemented his mastery of the road course.
News in Brief: 2025 Watkins Glen Xfinity Race Highlights
Watkins Glen once again proved to be a track where Connor Zilich excels. From his commanding Stage 2 performance to his resilience after on-track contact and strategic pit calls, Zilich demonstrated the full range of skills needed to win at the highest level in NASCAR’s second-tier series.
The race had everything — calculated passes, bold restarts, heavy crashes, and a driver at the top of his game. With six victories already in 2025, Zilich’s championship push is gaining serious momentum. If his performance at Watkins Glen is any indication, the competition will have their hands full in the races to come.
