Sheldon Creed finally secured his first victory in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta on Saturday, a moment that broke a more than four-year winless streak. His triumph not only marked a career-defining milestone, but also prompted reflection on perseverance and the meteoric rise of Connor Zilisch, making Creed’s journey especially notable within the racing world.
Perseverance Pays off for Creed at Last
Sheldon Creed took the checkered flag driving the No. 00 Chevrolet Camaro SS for Haas Factory Team, notching his inaugural O’Reilly Auto Parts Series win after 137 attempts. For the 2020 Truck Series champion, this long-awaited success crystallized years of hard work and resilience. Creed made his debut in national racing in the ARCA Menards Series back in 2016, moving on to the Truck Series three years later, where he found early triumphs. Despite joining the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2022 with high hopes, the anticipated instant success eluded him year after year.
Reflecting on his journey, Creed told gathered media,
“I would say that to myself 10 years ago or anyone… Just work hard and keep being patient. It’s not how I drew it up. I drew it up to win in my first year in the series. We are at 137. I wish I could have a Connor Zilisch story where you come in and dominate. It’s just not my story. Keep working hard.”
— Sheldon Creed, NASCAR Driver. His message provided insight into the realities that many rookies and experienced drivers alike endure in motorsports, as wins often demand more than sheer talent.
Challenges, Setbacks, and Relentless Effort
Although Creed entered the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series as a Truck Series champion, the adaptation to the higher tier proved to be far more challenging than anticipated. Despite his best efforts, he had to cope with fifteen second-place finishes, an experience that subjected him to jokes and doubts about his capabilities. As Creed recounted to CW Sports,
“I’ve been a loser the last couple of years, and I kept showing up. It’s not how you draw it up when you’re a Truck Champion.”
— Sheldon Creed, NASCAR Driver.
The ensuing frustration and self-doubt only intensified his determination, making Saturday’s victory especially meaningful. Creed’s mention of “showing up” despite setbacks highlights his commitment, an attitude that now shapes his vision for the remainder of the 2026 season.
Connor Zilisch: A Rising Star’s Swift Domination
In contrast to Creed’s lengthy journey, Connor Zilisch made an instant impact in his own rookie O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season. Now competing full-time in the Cup Series for Trackhouse Racing, Zilisch was the talk of NASCAR last year when he captured ten wins in his debut campaign—a feat that drew widespread praise across the racing world. Zilisch’s rapid ascent serves as both inspiration and a set point for comparison among emerging drivers.
Creed openly acknowledged the difference between his path and Zilisch’s by stating,
“It’s not how I drew it up.”
— Sheldon Creed, NASCAR Driver. Zilisch’s unprecedented results highlight the diversity of experiences possible even among the sport’s most talented individuals.
Looking to the Future
Saturday’s win represents both validation and a fresh beginning for Sheldon Creed. After years weathering disappointment and staying motivated, he now eyes future races with renewed ambition, hoping to add more victories in the coming months. The dynamics of perseverance, as seen in Creed’s hard-fought win, alongside the rapid progression exemplified by Connor Zilisch’s NASCAR success, will continue to shape narratives within the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series as drivers push towards their next milestones in 2026 and beyond.
“It’s not how I drew it up.”
“I’d say this is close.”@sheldoncreed on what his present self would tell himself from 10 years ago. He also touches on if this moment is bigger than the championship.#NASCAR | #Bennett250 | @MtrsprtsToday pic.twitter.com/3Ziqn2DFYE
— Tim Moore (@IveBeenTimMoore) February 22, 2026
