Weeks removed from breaking his collarbone and getting surgery, Connor Zilisch has won an Xfinity Series race at Portland. He then quoted/copied the late-great Dale Earnhardt with one of his most iconic phrases.
Back in 1996, Dale Earnhardt was injured at Talladega. He suffered a broken collarbone and sternum. He then missed the race at the Brickyard 400 after just a few laps. Mike Skinner finished things up for Earnhardt.
However, at Watkins Glen, Earnhardt won the pole and finished 6th in the race. He had David Green waiting in the wings to take the car from him if he needed it, but Earnhardt toughed it out. When asked about it, the Intimidator smile and said, “I can’t say that on TV. It truly hurt so good.”
T-shirts were made, the quote was massively popular. It showed how tough NASCAR drivers, and particularly Earnhardt, were. Well, Connor Zilisch just revived it.
Like Dale, Connor Zilisch broke his collarbone. Zilisch broke his at Watkins Glen after winning the race and falling off his car in Victory Lane. He watched Parker Kligerman drive his car two weeks after that at Daytona, and Kligerman won. This week, he goes out and wins the pole, sweeps the stages, sets the fastest lap, and wins the race.
So, Zilisch broke out a new shirt. Driving for Dale Jr. at JR Motorsports, Zilisch likely got the blessing to do this one.
For those who want a closer look, here you go. The “It hurt so good” 2.0.
Eight wins this season. Seven that he finished himself. Three in a row. Six pole awards. Regular season points lead. Only one thing to do at this point – win the championship in Phoenix.
Connor Zilisch wins at Portland in controversial overtime
A move to the “A-frame” maze in Turn 1 made many NASCAR fans, and at least one driver, question the finish at Portland. Connor Zilisch appeared to lock up his brakes and wasn’t able to make the turn. So, he dove into the maze.
Well, it ended up being quicker doing that than taking the actual turn on the track. Cars were wrecking and spinning in the turn, and it let Zilisch take off after getting through the penalty area.
Perhaps a stop-and-go in that area would be a better penalty. But Zilisch did nothing to break the rules. So, NASCAR said he was good and he charged to the victory. 70 laps led tonight on his way to an impressive win in a race he dominated 90% of.
So, does Connor Zilisch have a little Dale Earnhardt in him? Winning with a repaired broken collarbone is more than impressive at 19 years old. The hype only continues to grow.
