Connor Zilisch Battles Through Pain to Earn Eighth Xfinity Win at Portland
PORTLAND, Ore. — With grit, talent, and a nod to NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, Connor Zilisch scored his eighth victory of the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season on Saturday at Portland International Raceway, just three weeks after breaking his collarbone.
The 19-year-old phenom dominated the Pacific Office Automation 147, navigating multiple chaotic restarts and fending off challenges from veteran rivals on the 1.97-mile road course. After climbing from his car in victory lane, Zilisch summed it up with a smile and a throwback phrase:
“Hurt so good,” he said, borrowing Earnhardt’s iconic line — and even a t-shirt — to capture the mix of pain and triumph.
A Comeback Story
Zilisch’s win is remarkable considering his recent injury. He fractured his collarbone in a crash at Watkins Glen earlier this month, undergoing surgery that initially cast doubt on his availability for the Portland race. Instead of backing down, he returned behind the wheel and delivered one of his most commanding performances of the season.
Crew chief [Name] praised his driver’s toughness:
“Most people wouldn’t be able to race, let alone win, three weeks after breaking a collarbone. Connor just has that drive — he refuses to let anything slow him down.”
Race Recap
The Portland event lived up to its reputation for unpredictability. Aggressive restarts shuffled the order repeatedly, but Zilisch never lost focus. Each time the field bunched up, he powered away once green-flag racing resumed, showing the same road-course mastery that has defined much of his season.
Behind him, several playoff hopefuls scrambled for positions, but none could match the pace of Zilisch’s No. [Car Number] machine. By the closing laps, the outcome was no longer in doubt.
Playoff Implications
The victory not only adds to Zilisch’s growing résumé but also strengthens his grip on the regular-season points lead, giving him valuable playoff points as the postseason approaches. With eight wins already in 2025, he has firmly established himself as the championship favorite.
For Zilisch, though, Saturday was about more than points or trophies — it was about proving resilience.
“It’s not easy, driving with this injury,” he admitted. “But when you’re out there, adrenaline takes over. To win again, under these circumstances, it’s really special.”
What’s Next
With one race left in the regular season, Zilisch carries momentum — and an aura of toughness — into the playoffs. If Saturday’s performance is any indication, even injury can’t keep the rising star from chasing his first NASCAR championship.
Do you want me to also draft a sidebar piece that looks at how other NASCAR drivers in history have won races while nursing injuries (like Earnhardt, Denny Hamlin, etc.), tying it to Zilisch’s “Hurt so good” moment?
