Electric Cars

Emerging triumphant from a significant setback, 19-year-old Connor Zilisch has once again showcased his unparalleled prowess in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. After sustaining a broken collarbone merely three weeks prior during a victory celebration, Zilisch made a stunning return to dominate the recent Portland race, leading every single lap and claiming his eighth win of the 2025 season. This victory, his sixth in the last seven races, underscores his remarkable resilience and burgeoning dominance in the sport. During the post-race festivities, he humorously re-enacted his previous fall, carefully exiting his vehicle through the roof hatch, much to the delight of onlookers.

The race at Portland was a testament to Zilisch's skill, particularly during the turbulent latter stages. Despite facing multiple chaotic restarts, including one where Austin Hill briefly took the lead, Zilisch consistently reclaimed his position at the front. A pivotal moment occurred on the final restart, where Zilisch expertly utilized the alternate route at Turn 1 after blowing his entry, allowing him to maintain his lead amidst the ensuing chaos. Meanwhile, other competitors like Sammy Smith faced challenges, with Smith spinning through the chicane, highlighting the demanding nature of the course and the high stakes of late-race maneuvers. The top finishers behind Zilisch included William Sawalich in second, Nick Sanchez in third, Christian Eckes in fourth, and Austin Hill, who ultimately finished fifth.

Throughout the event, Zilisch's command was undeniable, particularly in the initial two stages. He maintained a significant lead, even as other drivers, such as Sawalich and Dean Thompson, encountered difficulties and off-track incidents. The intensity of the competition remained high across the field, with minor collisions and even a small grass fire failing to halt the race with full-course cautions. Zilisch secured both Stage 1 and Stage 2 victories with substantial leads, setting the stage for his dramatic finish. This consistent performance demonstrates not only his exceptional driving talent but also his strategic acumen, reinforcing his standing as a leading contender in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and signalling a bright future ahead for the young athlete.

Connor Zilisch's triumphant return to the track after a serious injury serves as a powerful reminder that with unwavering determination and a positive mindset, seemingly insurmountable challenges can be overcome, transforming obstacles into opportunities for extraordinary achievement and inspiring those who witness such remarkable feats.

The recent NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Portland delivered a mixed bag of fortunes for two prominent Australian Supercars drivers. Jack Perkins, a seasoned Supercars competitor, experienced the highs and lows of racing, narrowly missing a podium finish in a dramatic turn of events during the race's closing stages. His compatriot, Will Brown, the reigning Supercars champion, faced an equally challenging day marked by persistent mechanical issues, ultimately leading to an early retirement from the competition. Their respective outings at the Portland road course highlighted the inherent unpredictability and intense demands of the NASCAR Xfinity environment, testing the mettle of these international entrants.

Will Brown's participation in the No. 11 Chevrolet for Kaulig Racing was marred from the outset. A required transmission change following qualifying forced him to start from the rear of the field, an immediate disadvantage. Despite his best efforts to navigate through the pack, his car sustained damage to its nose. The struggles continued for Brown, culminating in a broken trackbar mount that prematurely ended his race day. This mechanical failure left him with a disappointing 35th-place finish and a DNF (Did Not Finish). Adding to his discomfort, his cool suit system also malfunctioned just before his race concluded. This incident echoed a similar stroke of bad luck from an earlier Cup race in Chicago this year, where he was involved in an early collision.

Jack Perkins, behind the wheel of the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, showcased a more promising performance throughout the event. The 39-year-old Australian displayed impressive racecraft, steadily climbing through the field. He concluded Stage 1 in a strong ninth position and further improved to seventh by the end of Stage 2. Perkins was actively contending with seasoned Xfinity regulars, and his efforts saw him reach as high as third place with only a few laps remaining in the race. Victory seemed within grasp, illustrating his potential to challenge for top honors in a new racing discipline.

However, the cruel hand of fate intervened for Perkins with just four laps left. While pushing for a strong finish, his car went off-track in the final corner. Despite his attempts, he was unable to regain control and get the car moving again. This unfortunate incident relegated him to a 31st-place finish, a stark contrast to the podium position he had been poised to secure. The sudden and unexpected turn of events left Perkins contemplating what might have been after an otherwise stellar demonstration of skill and determination.

Both Australian drivers faced significant hurdles and moments of frustration during their NASCAR Xfinity debut at Portland. While Brown's race was characterized by a series of unfortunate technical and on-track setbacks, Perkins demonstrated exceptional pace and resilience, only to be denied a memorable result by a late-race error. These experiences underscore the steep learning curve and the fierce level of competition that international drivers encounter when venturing into the challenging world of NASCAR.