During Saturday’s NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Circuit of The Americas, Connor Zilisch was positioned inside the top five when a late-race incident involving Corey Day changed the outcome dramatically. With just three laps left in the Focused Health 250, Day’s No. 17 Chevrolet made contact with Zilisch’s No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet, causing Zilisch to spin into a retaining wall and fall back in the standings.
The crash occurred amid a fierce contest for fifth place. Despite the impact, the race continued without a caution, allowing Day to maintain position and finish fifth — his second top-five result of the season. Meanwhile, Zilisch managed to keep racing but ultimately settled for 21st place after repairs to his damaged vehicle.
Zilisch Voices Frustration After Contact Ends Strong Performance
Connor Zilisch, a full-time competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series for Trackhouse Racing, expressed clear frustration following the collision. In a post-race interview with The CW, he described overcoming brake problems to put himself in a solid position before the contact inexplicably interrupted his momentum.
I don’t need to explain myself. Really unfortunate. … We had to change a left rear brake and the entire caliper. I hate that it ended like that for us. We were going to finish top five there, and same guy every week that does this. Hopefully, he can figure it out,
Zilisch said.
Despite the setback, Zilisch said he enjoyed driving the JR Motorsports Chevrolet that day but was disappointed by Day’s reaction after the crash. He noted that all he wanted was an apology, which never came, leaving him more upset by Day’s silence and stare.
All I want is an apology but the guy just stands over there and stares at me and that just makes it worse. He’ll figure it out. We’ll go on to tomorrow and try to have a better day tomorrow,
Zilisch added, looking ahead to the upcoming Cup Series race.
Day Explains Contact as Unintentional and Offers to Make Amends
Corey Day addressed the incident with Zilisch during his own interview after the race. He acknowledged difficulties with his No. 17 Chevrolet but insisted that causing a crash was not his intention. Day asked for understanding despite his track record and accepted full responsibility for the collision.
I’m going to get no sympathy for I guess that off my track record. It wasn’t intentional. Didn’t want to wreck him or have that happen,
Day stated.
Unlike Zilisch’s frustration over the lack of an apology on the spot, Day expressed willingness to directly confront the issue and apologize.
I’ve got no problem going over there and talking to him. It was my mistake, whether I had a broken race car or not. I’ll own up to it and I’ll go apologize, no problem,
Day said, emphasizing his readiness to reconcile.
Van Gisbergen Claims Victory Amid Tense Competition
Shane van Gisbergen emerged as the winner of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race held at Circuit of The Americas. This victory marked his fifth career win in the series, all of which have come on road courses. His performance stood out in a race marked by fierce battles and heightened emotions, particularly surrounding the clash between Zilisch and Day.
The incident between the two drivers highlights the competitive intensity and risks involved in NASCAR’s road course events. As Zilisch and Day prepare to move past this confrontation, the upcoming Cup Series race promises another opportunity for both to refocus and improve their results on track.
Connor Zilisch spins off the track during a late push for the front. pic.twitter.com/95ukfAlBaV
— The CW Sports (@TheCW_Sports) February 28, 2026
"All I want is an apology but the guy just stands over there and stares at me and that just makes it worse."
A disappointed @ConnorZilisch comments on the late-race incident with Corey Day. pic.twitter.com/yM0j9QpjTQ
— The CW Sports (@TheCW_Sports) February 28, 2026
.@corey_day_ provides his side of what happened with him and Connor Zilisch. pic.twitter.com/m8v5AQZBOl
— The CW Sports (@TheCW_Sports) February 28, 2026
