Connor Zilisch’s remarkable 2025 season reached another high point Saturday evening at Portland International Raceway, where the JR Motorsports rookie continued his dominant run. With a flawless drive, Zilisch held off William Sawalich in a tense overtime finish to score his eighth win of the season in the Pacific Office Automation 147. Leading 70 of 78 laps, he delivered a performance that blended speed, strategy, and resilience—just weeks after breaking his collarbone. For the field chasing him, it was another race overshadowed by a new rising star.
Key Highlights
Connor Zilisch scored his series-best eighth win of 2025 at Portland International Raceway
Zilisch led 70 of 78 laps and swept both stages for JR Motorsports
Five rookies finished inside the top six, led by William Sawalich in second
Justin Allgaier fell to 20 points behind Zilisch in the standings after finishing 15th
Playoff field tightens with one race left before the regular-season finale at Gateway
Connor Zilisch’s Commanding Victory
From the green flag to the checkered, Zilisch dictated the rhythm of the Pacific Northwest road course. Starting from pole, he stretched his advantage to nearly 15 seconds in Stage 1, then followed with another emphatic win in Stage 2. Each lap reaffirmed his pace as the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet set the tone in front of a rookie-heavy top five. His only challenger on the day, Austin Hill, briefly grabbed the lead late before Zilisch reclaimed control in a dramatic overtime restart. It was a performance that demonstrated resilience as much as talent.
“To come back two weeks after collarbone surgery, it hurt, but it hurt so good. So proud of this 88 team. It’s been such a fun year. Let’s go get ourselves a championship.” – Connor Zilisch
The final restart tested his instincts. Four-wide into Turn 1, Zilisch navigated a runoff area with precision before surging back into the lead.
“As soon as I hit the brakes, I wheel-hopped, but kind of committed to it as soon as I realized I wasn’t going to make the corner. And it worked out. I wasn’t really planning on it, but last resort, you’ve gotta do what you gotta do.” – Connor Zilisch

Rookie Depth and Race Results
Portland highlighted the strength of this rookie class, with five newcomers inside the top six. Behind Zilisch and Sawalich, Nick Sanchez took third with Christian Eckes fourth and Hill rounding out the top five. Carson Kvapil crossed the line sixth, adding his name to the growing list of rookies shaping the series. Jeb Burton finished seventh, a needed result as he battles for a playoff berth.
Austin Green claimed eighth, followed by Blaine Perkins and Jesse Love to complete the top 10. Veterans found themselves scattered further back. Justin Allgaier, who entered with the championship lead, was caught in a chaotic restart, spinning and salvaging 15th.
The setback handed Zilisch a 20-point advantage in the standings as the series heads toward its regular-season finale. Harrison Burton worked through the field to 12th, preserving his cushion above the playoff cutline over Jeb Burton. Behind them, the finishing order included steady drives from Daniel Dye in 11th, Brennan Poole in 13th, Taylor Gray in 14th, and Sam Mayer in 16th.
Further back, Ryan Sieg, Garrett Smithley, Kyle Sieg, and Sheldon Creed rounded out the top 30. The day ended early for several drivers, including Anthony Alfredo, Matt DiBenedetto, Will Brown, Alex Labbe, and Vicente Salas, each sidelined with mechanical or incident-related issues.
Fin | Driver | Diff |
---|---|---|
1 | Connor Zilisch | — |
2 | William Sawalich | 1.572 |
3 | Nick Sanchez | 2.955 |
4 | Christian Eckes | 3.732 |
5 | Austin Hill | 4.035 |
6 | Carson Kvapil | 4.990 |
7 | Jeb Burton | 5.479 |
8 | Austin Green | 5.919 |
9 | Blaine Perkins | 6.620 |
10 | Jesse Love | 7.411 |
11 | Daniel Dye | 7.923 |
12 | Harrison Burton | 8.692 |
13 | Brennan Poole | 8.707 |
14 | Taylor Gray | 8.922 |
15 | Justin Allgaier | 9.320 |
16 | Sam Mayer | 10.031 |
17 | Jeremy Clements | 10.075 |
18 | Brandon Jones | 11.398 |
19 | Joey Hand | 11.443 |
20 | Alon Day | 12.135 |
21 | Ryan Ellis | 13.073 |
22 | Sammy Smith | 13.435 |
23 | Josh Williams | 14.993 |
24 | Ryan Sieg | 15.221 |
25 | Garrett Smithley | 15.360 |
26 | Kyle Sieg | 16.164 |
27 | Sheldon Creed | 20.279 |
28 | Thomas Annunziata | 28.149 |
29 | Takuma Koga | 3 laps |
30 | Parker Retzlaff | 4 laps |
31 | Jack Perkins | 7 laps |
32 | Dean Thompson | 7 laps |
33 | Anthony Alfredo | 15 laps |
34 | Matt DiBenedetto | 22 laps |
35 | Will Brown | 29 laps |
36 | Alex Labbe | 29 laps |
37 | Vicente Salas | 35 laps |
Standings Picture and Playoff Implications
With only one regular-season race remaining, the playoff picture took a sharp turn. Zilisch’s eighth win locked him firmly in position, now joined by Carson Kvapil who clinched on points at Portland. That leaves three playoff spots open heading into next week’s finale. Jeb Burton sits just below the line, chasing cousin Harrison Burton with a 31-point deficit. Allgaier’s rough finish now forces him into recovery mode, trailing Zilisch after briefly leading the championship earlier in the day.
For Austin Hill, who nearly toppled Zilisch at Portland, consistency remains his biggest strength. Meanwhile, rookies like Sawalich, Sanchez, and Eckes continue to insert themselves into the championship discussion. The series now turns to World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, returning for the first time since 2010. With a playoff berth on the line and momentum up for grabs, every lap will carry meaning under the Saturday night lights.

News in Brief: 2025 Pacific Office Automation 147 Full Race Results
Connor Zilisch won the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Pacific Office Automation 147 at Portland International Raceway, claiming his eighth win of the season. He led 70 of 78 laps, swept both stages, and overcame a late-race overtime restart to secure victory ahead of William Sawalich, Nick Sanchez, Christian Eckes, and Austin Hill. Five rookies finished inside the top six, while Justin Allgaier’s 15th-place finish cost him the championship lead. Carson Kvapil clinched a playoff spot on points. With one race remaining, three playoff spots are still unclaimed.
ALSO READ: Connor Zilisch Wins Xfinity Series Portland in Overtime Showdown