Another NASCAR season has come to an end, and with it comes the closure of another iconic race track. The Portland International Raceway, which has been a staple in the Xfinity series since 2013, hosted its final race this past weekend. And what a race it was.
After a long season filled with thrilling races and nail-biting finishes, it all came down to this final race at Portland. And it was none other than rookie sensation Connor Zilisch who stole the show, proving that he is indeed the best rookie in Xfinity history.
But before we delve into Zilisch’s remarkable performance, let’s talk about the track itself and its significance in the world of NASCAR. The Portland International Raceway, located in Oregon, has been a part of the Xfinity series for the past 8 years. Its unique layout, with 12 turns and a long back straight, has offered some incredible racing moments over the years. And for fans who have been following the series, it’s definitely a bittersweet moment to bid farewell to this beloved track.
But as they say, all good things must come to an end. And in the world of NASCAR, it’s all about embracing change and moving forward. And that’s exactly what the series did by deciding to drop Portland from its schedule for the upcoming season. While some fans may be disappointed, it opens up opportunities for new tracks and new challenges for the drivers.
And speaking of challenges, no one could have predicted the rollercoaster ride that this race would turn out to be. The Xfinity series has seen some incredible rookies over the years, but none quite like Connor Zilisch. The 17-year-old prodigy has been making waves since his debut in the series, and this race was no different.
After overcoming a collarbone injury earlier in the season, Zilisch came back stronger and more determined than ever. And he proved it by dominating the race, leading for 70 of the 76 laps. He also swept both stages, leaving his competitors in the dust and showcasing his prowess on the track.
But it wasn’t just Zilisch’s performance that caught everyone’s attention. It was also the fact that he clinched his 8th victory of the season, a feat that has never been achieved by a rookie in the Xfinity series. This incredible achievement not only solidifies Zilisch’s position as the best rookie in the series but also puts him in the record books alongside legendary drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Speaking of Dale Jr., the former NASCAR driver and current team owner had some strong opinions about the decision to drop Portland from the schedule. In a recent interview, he expressed his disappointment and even went as far as endorsing the track and encouraging NASCAR to reconsider their decision.
But despite Dale Jr.’s passionate plea, it looks like the decision is final. And while it may be a tough pill to swallow for him and many fans, let’s not forget that this is a sport that is constantly evolving. And just like any other sport, it’s important for NASCAR to make changes and adapt in order to stay relevant and continue to grow.
So, as we close the gates of Portland International Raceway for the final time, let’s also celebrate the incredible race that was put on by the drivers. And let’s not forget to applaud Connor Zilisch for his remarkable performance and for making history in the Xfinity series. As we bid farewell to this track, let’s look forward to what the future holds for NASCAR and the exciting races that are yet to come.