NASCAR star made to change celebration for wine – Sports News
At simply 18 years previous, NASCAR Xfinity Series sensation Connor Zilisch made headlines this weekend — not solely for his thrilling Sonoma win, however for the unconventional manner he celebrated in “wine country.”
Zilisch, lately incomes reward from Dale Earnhardt Jr., took prime honors in Saturday’s Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 at Sonoma Raceway, heading off reigning road-course ace Shane van Gisbergen, who earlier within the day secured his fourth profession Cup pole, in a heart-stopping end. However, as a result of he’s beneath 21, race officers swapped the customary wine toast with a gallon of apple juice — prompting him to exclaim in his social post, “Drunk on apple juice!!! Let’s gooooo! Sonoma baby.”
Zilisch’s post took off shortly throughout social media, amassing over 57,000 views and incomes playful reactions from followers and fellow drivers alike. Trackhouse Racing cheekily commented, “The sweet sparkling taste of victory,” whereas others joked about trademarking his apple juice catchphrase.
On the asphalt, Zilisch held firm towards the strain of van Gisbergen. The pair traded the lead for a lot of the race, with van Gisbergen mounting aggressive bump-and-run makes an attempt within the closing laps.
Zilisch stated afterward, “First, hats off to Shane. … All race long, I felt like we were racing each other with respect.” He acknowledged van Gisbergen’s tactful aggression, reminding: “There was a chance … he let me have it and raced me clean. I respect the hell out of him.”
The official consequence had Zilisch crossing 0.438 seconds forward — his third win of the season and fourth of his profession. Together, he and van Gisbergen led 70 of the 79 laps, outpacing the remaining of the sphere by more than 13 seconds.
Their dominance extends JR Motorsports’ unimaginable streak: it marked the group’s tenth Xfinity victory of 2025 and their fourth 1-2 end of the 12 months.
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While the on-track outcomes headlined the weekend, Zilisch’s celebration stole the highlight in Victory Lane. Sonoma Raceway, nestled within the coronary heart of California wine nation, historically options winners toasting with native Senses Wines.
But age restrictions compelled officers to swap wine for apple juice in Zilisch’s celebratory goblet.
Looking forward, Zilisch’s subsequent check awaits at Watkins Glen, one other road-course crucible the place he’ll hope to keep building momentum.
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