Connor Zilisch has been praised by his rival after his impressive victory in the Sonoma Xfinity race. Shane van Gisbergen hailed rising NASCAR star Connor Zilisch for his composure and defensive driving after their thrilling battle in Saturday’s Xfinity Series race at Sonoma.

Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen.It’s a blossoming rivalry that will likely play out on the road courses for many years to come in the NASCAR Cup Series, but now in back-to-back weeks, the NASCAR Xfinity Series has seen the Trackhouse development duo sparring for victories.

Connor Zilisch, widely seen as a NASCAR rising star, electrified Sonoma Raceway on Saturday by claiming a hard-fought victory in the Xfinity Series, impressing many with his poise and skill despite being just 18 years old.