Connor Zilisch’s win in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race last week on the famed Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International road course was a test of the 20-year old’s skill and resilience. It also provided a glimpse into his longtime friendship with driver Jesse Love, who Zilisch passed on the final lap to claim his third consecutive win at the famous venue.
While Zilisch was doing burnouts and making his way to a celebratory Victory Circle, an emotional and clearly-gutted Love climbed out of his No. 2 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet the disappointment in losing that way, evident to all. And in the midst of it all, Zilisch’s mom Janice was the first to stop by Love’s car to console her son’s friend.
It was a reminder of the delicate balance between being fierce competitors and dear friends. A year ago as a series rookie, Zilisch won a record nine races and set modern day record with 18 consecutive top-five finishes – but it was Love who ultimately hoisted the championship trophy after beating Zilisch in the Phoenix season finale.
“I think it’d be different if I wrecked him, then I think it’d be a little tougher to have a conversation,’’ said Zilisch, now a rookie in the NASCAR Cup Series driving fulltime for Trackhouse Racing. “But, I did nothing wrong. So, yeah, we hung out on Monday and everything was normal. It’s kind of just something you’ve got to expect when you’re friends with the guy you’re racing against, is that you’re not going to be friends on the track, and you’ve just got to separate the two as best you can.
“It happens, right? That’s our sport. That’s part of it. We race each other hard on the weekend, but when it’s time to be friends away from the racetrack and put racing to the side, we’re able to do that.”