Connor Zilisch wins NASCAR Xfinity Series in Sonoma after duel with van Gisbergen

Connor Zilisch withstood pressure from Shane van Gisbergen during the final two laps to win the Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 at Sonoma Raceway. The 18-year-old driver secured his third victory of the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, keeping the New Zealander at bay in a duel that defined the race from the start.

Exclusive battle between JR Motorsports teammates

The race turned into a head-to-head battle between the two JR Motorsports teammates, who led 70 of the 79 total laps. Van Gisbergen, the pole winner, exchanged the lead with Zilisch on nine occasions during the nearly two-hour competition.

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The decisive moment came on lap 7 of the final lap when van Gisbergen made contact with the rear of Zilisch's #88 Chevrolet. The veteran driver chose not to take advantage of the momentary opportunity the contact provided and allowed the battle to continue cleanly.

Zilisch leads 46 laps in final stage

The restart on lap 51 marked Zilisch's definitive control of the race. His team's efficient pit work allowed him to maintain the lead position until the checkered flag, completing 46 laps out front compared to van Gisbergen's 24.

First, I congratulate Shane, said Zilisch after climbing from his car. It was incredible. Throughout the race I felt we respected each other. I lost traction once in turn 7 and made contact. Other than that, it was great to finally race against him.

The Mooresville driver admitted the difficulty of saving fuel while maintaining position: It's always harder trying to save fuel when someone is breathing down your neck. There was one opportunity when he could have passed me after the contact, but he gave me space and raced clean.

William Sawalich rounds out podium

William Sawalich, winner of Friday's ARCA race, finished third, 13.668 seconds behind the winner. The driver completed a perfect weekend at Sonoma by scoring his first top-three finish in Xfinity Series.

Nick Sanchez took fourth place, followed by Riley Herbst and championship leader Justin Allgaier. Taylor Gray, Carson Kvapil, Sammy Smith and Sheldon Creed completed the top ten.

JR Motorsports reaches tenth victory in 19 races

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s organization placed five drivers in the top nine, with Zilisch, van Gisbergen, Allgaier, Kvapil and Smith. The 10th victory in 19 races this season solidifies the team's dominance in the series.

Zilisch ties Allgaier and Austin Hill for the wins lead with three victories each. Hill finished twelfth at Sonoma after completing all 79 scheduled laps.

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