In his first career start in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Connor Zilisch nabbed the pole at Watkins Glen International for Saturday’s (Sept. 14) Mission 200 at The Glen.
Zilisch, piloting the No. 88 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports that he is slated to drive full time for the 2025 season, qualified with a speed of 124.176 mph on Saturday morning (Sept. 14).
Ty Gibbs in Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 19 Toyota will join Zilisch on the front row, clocking in with a 123.927-mph lap. Gibbs will make his sixth Xfinity start of the season.
AJ Allmendinger was quick enough to slot his Kaulig Racing Chevrolet third, and points leader Justin Allgaier qualified fourth for JRM. Sam Mayer was the third and final JRM driver in the top five.
Chandler Smith, William Byron, Aric Almirola, Sheldon Creed and Austin Hill rounded out the top 10.
Riley Herbst was fastest amongst Ford drivers, qualifying 12th.
Kaulig’s Josh Williams incurred bumper damage during practice and did not attempt a qualifying lap.
Ed Jones underwent an engine change on his Sam Hunt Racing No. 26 Toyota after losing power during practice. He will start at the rear of the field.
Three of the 41 entries did not qualify for today’s race. They were Kyle Keller, Jade Buford and Blaine Perkins, the latter’s first DNQ of the season.
Xfinity Watkins Glen Qualifying Results
The Xfinity Series will take the green flag from Watkins Glen Saturday, Sept. 14, at 3 p.m. ET, with the broadcast provided by USA Network.
Wyatt Watson has followed motorsports closely since 2007. He joined Frontstretch as a journalist in February 2023 after serving in the United States Navy for five years as an Electronic Technician Navigation working on submarines. Wyatt is one of Frontstretch's primary IndyCar correspondents, providing exclusive video content on site. He hosts Frontstretch's Through the Gears podcast and occasionally The Pit Straight.You can find Wyatt's written work in columns such as Friday Faceoff and 2-Headed Monsteras well as exclusive IndyCar features. Wyatt also contributes to Frontstretch's social media team, posting unique and engaging content for Frontstretch.
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