18-year-old Connor Zilisch secured his first oval win on Saturday at Pocono Raceway, with assistance from ‘rookie’ crew chief and JR Motorsports co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. Zilisch overtook Jesse Love in the final laps to claim victory. Expressing his excitement, Zilisch mentioned past near-victories and the valuable input he received from Earnhardt Jr.
Zilisch appreciated Earnhardt’s coaching during the race and acknowledged the team’s hard work. Earnhardt praised Zilisch’s potential and expressed his enjoyment of being involved in the team’s success. The event saw Christian Eckes achieve a career-best third place, followed by Chase Elliott in fourth and Ryan Sieg in fifth.
The Pocono race included a record ten cautions, resulting in an eventful final stage with Zilisch ultimately emerging victorious. Despite challenges, Zilisch’s strategic pit stop and Earnhardt’s guidance played pivotal roles in securing the win. The race featured multiple restarts and intense competition, showcasing the determination and skill of the drivers and teams involved.
