AUSTIN, Texas — Corey Day became the center of controversy again after colliding with Connor Zilisch near the end of the Focused Health 250 at Circuit of the Americas on February 28. This incident, occurring just three laps before the checkered flag, ended Zilisch’s strong run for a top-four finish and intensified concerns stemming from Day’s earlier aggressive racing last weekend at EchoPark Speedway. The Focus Keyword, Connor Zilisch Crash COTA, highlights the visibility this clash has gained.
Details of the Collision and Impact on Zilisch’s Race
While fighting for position in the final laps, Day’s car made contact with Zilisch’s, sending the latter spinning off track and into the guardrail. Prior to the crash, Zilisch had impressively advanced from 29th position to the top five despite facing brake problems in stage two. This recovery had positioned him as a potential contender against Shane van Gisbergen for the win, especially if another caution came out late in the race. The crash abruptly ended those hopes.
He thought he was clear and he wasn’t, and he tried tucking in and wasn’t clear,
Zilisch said.
It just hooked us.
Just unfortunate to end a day like that when you rally back to a top five and it gets taken away from you like that,
he added.
Zilisch indicated that he does not plan to seek any further dialogue about the incident unless Day approaches him first.
If he wants to come talk to me, he can come talk to me, but I’m not going to go find him and tell him he’s an idiot because, I mean, I think he can tell himself that.
Corey Day’s Explanation and Plans to Make Amends
Corey Day, who suffered significant car damage earlier in the race, explained that mechanical issues contributed to the collision with Zilisch. According to Day, problems with the car’s front splitter and a loose pan led to a loss of control as he attempted to give Zilisch space on the track.
It probably doesn’t show it great through the camera, but I just had the pan coming loose,
Day explained.
There was something wrong with the splitter in the front end, and I was already super tight off that corner. (Zilisch) fed the outside and I was trying to give him a lane, so I was all over the curb and it got (the car) even more upset.
And then as soon as he kind of even got within the vicinity of crossing over, I just lost all turn and whatever downforce I had left, and then I ran into him. Didn’t want to do that at all.
Day expressed remorse for the incident and intends to apologize directly to Zilisch. He also voiced his concerns about the negative impression his recent crashes have created.
That’s not the look I want,
Day said.
I’m hoping these next couple of weeks I’m quiet and don’t touch a single car and just run my own race. It’s not the look I want. …
The best thing about this sport is you can redeem yourself a week after you hurt yourself.
Perspectives on Day’s Experience and Future Expectations
Despite his talent—demonstrated by consecutive top-five finishes this season—Corey Day remains relatively inexperienced on asphalt tracks, a factor that has contributed to his mistakes. Zilisch acknowledged Day’s steep learning curve but emphasized the need for cleaner racing at this competitive level.
He’s just very inexperienced at asphalt racing, so I get it,
Zilisch remarked.
He’s been thrown in the deep end, and it’s a lot to take on, so I understand it, but when you’re racing at this high of a level, you got to clean it up and not do that stuff. …
It’s just something he’s going to have to learn.
Shane van Gisbergen Prevails in the O’Reilly Series Race at COTA
Shane van Gisbergen capitalized on the late-race chaos to secure victory in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series event at Circuit of the Americas. The win marked another strong performance in a race that saw significant shifts in position and multiple incidents. Van Gisbergen’s ability to remain clear of trouble proved decisive.
Broader Implications for the Season and Competitors
This latest incident has amplified the scrutiny on Corey Day’s aggressive style as the season progresses, raising questions about how he will handle the pressures of racing while gaining experience on asphalt circuits. For Connor Zilisch, the crash represents a lost opportunity but also illustrates his resilience and potential for future success. As competition intensifies, driver interactions will likely remain a critical factor in race outcomes. Both drivers and fans will be watching closely in the coming weeks to see how these tensions evolve and whether Day’s planned shift to cleaner racing holds true.
Connor Zilisch spins off the track during a late push for the front. pic.twitter.com/95ukfAlBaV
— The CW Sports (@TheCW_Sports) February 28, 2026
