Connor Zilisch delivered another dramatic finish at Watkins Glen International on Saturday, charging past Jesse Love on the final turn of the final lap to win the 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Mission Foods 200 at The Glen. The victory marked Zilisch’s third consecutive win at Watkins Glen and his first O’Reilly Auto Parts Series triumph since Bristol on April 11.
Zilisch started 17th and methodically worked his way through the field before erasing nearly a two-second deficit over the closing laps. The race-winning move came after Zilisch slid through the mud and brushed the wall while battling Love for position entering the final corners.
Love finished second after leading late, while Taylor Gray rounded out the podium in third. Ross Chastain placed fourth and Brandon Jones completed the top five.
Brent Crews controlled the opening portion of the race, winning Stage 1, before Zilisch captured Stage 2 and positioned himself for the late charge. Crews ultimately finished sixth after remaining in contention throughout the afternoon.
Shane Van Gisbergen finished eighth, Justin Allgaier came home 10th and Austin Hill crossed the line in 11th. Rajah Caruth, who started from the pole, slipped to 12th after leading the field to green.
Several drivers ran into trouble during the race, including Dean Thompson, whose day ended with a transmission issue, and William Sawalich, who exited early because of engine problems. Matt Wilson was also knocked out after an accident just five laps into the event.
Zilisch’s latest road-course victory continued an impressive run at Watkins Glen, where he first broke through with his inaugural series win as an 18-year-old in 2024.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
