Heartbreak hit for hotshoe Connor Zilisch on the highbanks of Bristol Motor Speedway after getting caught up in a wreck ended his night early.
On lap 65 of the Bush’s Beans 200, contact between Amber Balcaen and Logan Misuraca sent the No. 9 into the turn three wall. Misuraca was sliding down the hill, leaving Zilisch nowhere to go. He slammed hard into the crash, knocking him and his No. 28 Pinnacle Racing Group out of the race.
The Moorseville native was in the mix of a title fight for the ARCA Menards Series East driver’s championship with William Sawalich. A heartbreaking way to end such a stellar rookie season for the 18-year-old.
TROUBLE for the East Series championship leader @ConnorZilisch!
? @FS1 | @ItsBristolBaby pic.twitter.com/8p8wqmuf88
— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) September 19, 2024
“Frustrating way to end it, but still a lot to be proud of,” Zilisch said in the care center.
“I guess the 9 and the 22 got together. 9 hit the fence on the top of the track. I don’t know if she didn’t hold the brake or what but came down the track right in front of me and ended our day. Hate to end a season like that and lose a championship in that way too. It’s frustrating but we’ve had a hell of a year with our Pinnace Racing Group team and everyone at Silver Hare Racing. Nothing to hang our heads on, just a frustrating way to go out.”
Misuraca was trying to rebound after a spin earlier in the race and was running in the mid-20s at the time of the incident.
A better look at what has taken @ConnorZilisch out of today's race.
? @FS1 | @ItsBristolBaby pic.twitter.com/KoKdv92CAL
— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) September 19, 2024
With Zilisch now in the garage, all William Sawalich needs to do is finish the race and he will claim back-to-back titles in the ARCA Menards Series East title.
For Zilisch, he still has a chance to win tonight in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race later tonight.
