LEBANON, Tenn. — For the second week in a row, Connor Zilisch found himself in second place, this time at Nashville Superspeedway in just his 17th ever NASCAR Xfinity Series start. The 18-year-old JR Motorsports driver took the green flag 10th and led 18 laps on the night, but in the end, couldn’t find a way to get past his veteran teammate Justin Allgaier, who picked up his third victory of the season.
“It was all clean air today,” Zilisch declared post-race. “The two of us had such similar race cars that just clean air makes the difference. That two or three percent of grip is what makes the difference, and I kind of just got tight behind him trying to get to him, and that’s why I fell off those last few laps. I couldn’t quite hold on.”
It was a theme echoed by the winner of the race, who noted as part of his first answer in the media center press conference that “clean air was king.” Sam Mayer, who finished third, continued the theme.
“It was just kind of a track position game today,” Mayer said.
So was there anything Zilisch could have done to pick up what would have been his second career victory?
“I wish I could have done something differently,” Zilisch confessed. “But, you know, I really don’t think I could have. I just got side drafted back, and once we were side-by-side, I just didn’t have enough grip. Yeah, clean air is king.”
Despite consecutive runner-up finishes, Zilisch was pleased with his night overall and the progress he is making in his first full season at the Xfinity Series level.
“Yeah, it’s been an awesome year,” Zilisch said. “I feel like I’ve been getting better and better and making fewer mistakes. The last two races, we’ve done a really good job just executing all day, and I’m really proud of that. It’s been a big learning season for me, and I feel like I’m getting better, and that’s all you can ask for.”
Zilisch was also quick to praise his veteran teammate, who has 468 more races of experience than the Mooresville, N.C. native.
“I don’t think people realize how good Justin is just because he’s not in Cup,” Zilisch said. “I mean, he’s got so much talent, and he’s so methodical, and it’s rare you find him making the wrong moves. So yeah, I do learn a lot from him, and it’s great to have him as a teammate too. He’s been a big help for me and answers any question I have – stupid or whatever – I have to ask, he’s there for me, and he’ll also tell you when you’re dumb. So, it’s good to have him.”
Looking forward, the Xfinity Series has a week off before the trip to Mexico City, and it’s one that Zilisch will relish.
“I’ve got a lot of road courses coming up, ” Zilisch said. “So yeah, I’m really excited for that. I feel like we’re going to have a lot of chances to score a lot of points and get some wins.”
Danny starts his 12th year with Frontstretch in 2018, writing the Tuesday signature column 5 Points To Ponder. An English transplant living in San Francisco, by way of New York City, he’s had an award-winning marketing career with some of the biggest companies sponsoring sports. Working with racers all over the country, his freelance writing has even reached outside the world of racing to include movie screenplays.