Complete Race Results: Connor Zilisch Dominates Portland Overtime Battle

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

Connor Zilisch’s Tearful Reaction to Life-Changing NASCAR Deal
Connor Zilisch in white suit, sunglasses, sponsor logos prominent.

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.

FinDriverDiff
1Connor Zilisch
2William Sawalich1.572
3Nick Sanchez2.955
4Christian Eckes3.732
5Austin Hill4.035
6Carson Kvapil4.990
7Jeb Burton5.479
8Austin Green5.919
9Blaine Perkins6.620
10Jesse Love7.411
11Daniel Dye7.923
12Harrison Burton8.692
13Brennan Poole8.707
14Taylor Gray8.922
15Justin Allgaier9.320
16Sam Mayer10.031
17Jeremy Clements10.075
18Brandon Jones11.398
19Joey Hand11.443
20Alon Day12.135
21Ryan Ellis13.073
22Sammy Smith13.435
23Josh Williams14.993
24Ryan Sieg15.221
25Garrett Smithley15.360
26Kyle Sieg16.164
27Sheldon Creed20.279
28Thomas Annunziata28.149
29Takuma Koga3 laps
30Parker Retzlaff4 laps
31Jack Perkins7 laps
32Dean Thompson7 laps
33Anthony Alfredo15 laps
34Matt DiBenedetto22 laps
35Will Brown29 laps
36Alex Labbe29 laps
37Vicente Salas35 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.

Connor Zilisch Breaks Down as Trackhouse Drops Major Announcement!
Smiling driver celebrates victory, flashing three fingers to crowd.

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

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