Connor Zilisch Fights Through Injury, Chaos to Score Eighth Xfinity Win of 2025 at Portland
PORTLAND, Ore. — Less than a month after undergoing collarbone surgery, 18-year-old sensation Connor Zilisch showed no signs of slowing down, dominating the Pacific Office Automation 147 at Portland International Raceway to earn his eighth NASCAR Xfinity Series victory of the 2025 season.
Zilisch, already regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in the sport, put on a masterclass performance on Portland’s technical road course. Starting from near the front, he weathered multiple chaotic restarts and pressure from experienced veterans, ultimately pulling away when it mattered most.
The victory was especially remarkable given his recent injury. Just weeks earlier, Zilisch underwent surgery to repair a broken collarbone suffered in a non-racing incident. Any doubts about his recovery were silenced as he muscled his way through a demanding 75-lap event, showcasing grit and determination.
“I wasn’t sure how I’d feel in the car this soon after surgery,” Zilisch admitted in victory lane. “But the adrenaline takes over. The guys gave me such a fast car, and even when things got wild on the restarts, I just focused on hitting my marks. This win means a lot.”
The race itself lived up to Portland’s reputation for drama. Aggressive racing led to several caution flags, with the narrow, twisty circuit leaving little margin for error. Each restart stacked the field tightly, but Zilisch repeatedly powered clear, his No. [Car Number] machine proving untouchable on long runs.
The win not only adds to Zilisch’s growing résumé but also strengthens his position atop the Xfinity standings as the playoffs approach. With eight victories already in 2025, he has firmly established himself as the driver to beat in the championship hunt.
“To come back from surgery and win like this just shows the toughness and commitment he has,” said his crew chief. “He’s a special talent, and this team is behind him 100 percent as we go after the title.”
Zilisch’s victory at Portland extends his remarkable rookie campaign and continues to fuel buzz about his future at NASCAR’s highest levels. For now, though, the teenager is focused on building his momentum — and with the postseason looming, he’s proving that even an injury can’t derail his path to greatness.
