NASCAR Driver Daniel Suarez Had An Ironic Message For Teammate Connor Zilisch Before Crash

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At just 18 years old, Connor Zilisch is considered one of most can’t-miss prospects in NASCAR history. The Charlotte native has already won several major motorsports races, including the 24 Hours of Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring, and NASCAR races at both the Truck Series and Xfinity Series level.

Last weekend, Zilisch made his debut in the NASCAR Cup Series at Circuit of the Americas for Trackhouse Racing. Despite never having raced in the series before, Zilisch was considered a threat to win given his background in road course racing. He qualified in 14th position and prior to the race, he received some advice from Trackhouse teammate Daniel Suarez.

“It’s a way longer race. I know you know, but take your time,” Suarez told Zilisch on pit road prior to the start of the race.

Ironically, it was Suarez’s own impatience that would end both their races. Early on in the second stage, the driver of the 99 car hit a curb before spinning out. In his haste to get going again, he hit the gas in order to spin the car back around.

Zillisch, who was just behind Suarez on track, was temporarily blinded by the smoke from the spin and hammered into Suarez’s car, taking them both out of the race.

“I couldn’t see anything,” Zilisch radioed his team after the contact. “All I saw was smoke.”

The rookie driver was all smiles and optimistic despite the abrupt ending to his debut.

“I’ve had so much fun preparing for this event,” Zilisch said after exiting the infield care center. “That second stage, driving from outside the top-30 to 14th, was a lot of fun. I was passing a lot of guys that I used to watch on TV growing up.”

Ultimately, there’s no reason to believe Zilisch will not be extremely successful in time. Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch reminded Zilisch that he, too, finished last in his debut race. But I’m sure crashing into his teammate was not exactly how the superstar prospect dreamed up his start to life in the NASCAR Cup Series.