Despite having a forgettable rookie season in the NASCAR Cup Series, Connor Zilisch has developed even more appreciation for NASCAR fans as he’s gone through his first full campaign at the top level of the sport — especially in regards to why they attend races compared to fans of F1.
Just 17 at the time, Zilisch gave an interview to Autoweek two years ago where he suggested that going to NASCAR events was “like we were going to the county fair” when contrasted with the F1 fan and hospitality experience. He also sounded at the time that it might draw more people to the track if similar resources were put into the NASCAR race day atmosphere.
With more time in stock car racing under his belt, Zilisch was asked during his pre-Southern 500 media availability at Darlington if his perspective had changed. While he didn’t back away from his previous statement, he did praise NASCAR fans for their dedication to the racing itself as opposed to what goes on around it.
“That wasn’t an insult when I said that,” Zilisch said. “When I said that, it was the honest truth. I mean, like, F1 … it’s not a racing event, it’s an entertainment event. That’s why celebrities go, that’s why people go to those events, because you eat, you drink, you have cheeseboards.”
Zilisch may have envisioned himself in an F1 car more than a stock car as a teen, but it sounds as if he’s grown to have a healthy appreciation for the people who fill the stands each week at venues across the U.S.
“NASCAR, our fans love watching racing, and that’s the difference. So I wouldn’t really say that my perspective on it’s changed. I’ve always had a ton of respect for NASCAR and its fans, because the people that show up to the track show up because they love watching racing.”
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