Connor Zilisch claimed a contentious victory in the Xfinity race at Portland Raceway last Saturday, sparking debate among NASCAR fans and analysts. Nevertheless, Freddie Kraft, spotter for Bubba Wallace, stands by Zilisch’s approach, asserting the 19-year-old did nothing wrong during the race. The focus keyword for this article is Bubba Wallace defends Connor Zilisch, highlighting Wallace’s backing amid criticism of Zilisch’s driving maneuvers.
This win was Zilisch’s eighth of the 2025 season, making him the driver with the highest number of victories for JR Motorsports and the NASAR Xfinity Series at large. The controversy stems from observations that Zilisch bypassed the A-frame penalty area at Turn 1, with some arguing he should have taken the proper racing line.
Clarifying the Controversy Around Zilisch’s Maneuver at Turn 1
Critics pointed to Zilisch’s choice to cut through the corner as questionable, yet Freddie Kraft expressed a firm defense of Zilisch on the Door Bumper Clear podcast. Kraft remarked that, unlike other drivers who disregarded the course entirely, Zilisch navigated the chicane properly within the existing rules.
“At least Connor ran the chicane. The next four guys in line all just (expletive) hooked the corner; don’t even go anywhere near the racetrack. Connor didn’t do anything wrong. He took advantage of a screwed up rule.”
Zilisch’s approach took advantage of NASCAR’s rules as they stand, a point Kraft emphasized to differentiate the young driver’s strategy from others who ignored the penalty area completely.
Future Outlook for Connor Zilisch and the Portland Raceway
Connor Zilisch will remain recognized as the last winner of a NASCAR race at Portland Raceway for at least the next two years, as the Oregon track has been removed from the NASCAR schedule for the foreseeable future. Looking ahead, Zilisch is set to join Trackhouse Racing as a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver next season, taking over the seat from 2016 Xfinity Series champion Daniel Suarez.
Before transitioning to the Cup Series, Zilisch will compete in the upcoming race at World Wide Technology Raceway this September, participating in the Nu Way 200 Sauced by Blues Hog event. This race will include 169 laps and will be broadcast live on CW, with live radio coverage provided by MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Connor Zilisch’s Recovery and Racing Progress Post-Injury
Earlier this season, Zilisch suffered a fractured collarbone after a fall during his Watkins Glen victory celebration. Despite the injury requiring surgery, he made an impressive return behind the wheel within weeks, demonstrating resilience and determination. His recovery allowed him to maintain consistent top finishes, with a current streak of 13 top-five placements.
“To come back two weeks after collarbone surgery, it hurt, but it hurt so good,” said Zilisch, who now owns 13 top-fives in a row. “So proud of this 88 team. It’s been such a fun year. Let’s go get ourselves a championship.”
In July, Zilisch secured JR Motorsports’ 100th win in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, marking his third straight win and fifth victory of the season. His performance at Portland further solidified the dominance of rookie drivers in the series.
Prominent Rookie Performances at Portland Raceway
The top four finishers at Portland Raceway consisted entirely of NASCAR Xfinity Series rookies: Connor Zilisch, William Sawalich, Nick Sanchez, and Christian Eckes. Austin Hill from Richard Childress Racing completed the top five, while Christian Eckes, driving for Kaulig Racing, secured sixth place and a playoff spot. This race underscored the rising talent present within the rookie ranks this season, signaling a competitive future for NASCAR’s next wave of drivers.
