CONNOR ZILISCH CRASHES AT NEW HAMPSHIRE, RECORDING 9TH DNF OF SEASON

Connor Zilisch collided with Riley Herbst's stationary car at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, recording his ninth Did Not Finish of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. Zilisch locked up his front tyres whilst attempting to avoid Herbst's Toyota, which had spun into Turn 3 after contact with Michael McDowell. His Chevrolet clipped Herbst's car before striking the outside wall, ending Zilisch's race early and leaving him classified 35th.

Zilisch, driving for Trackhouse Racing, started the race from 20th position and finished Stage 2 in 21st place. His spotter Stefan Parsons warned him repeatedly to stay low as the incident developed, but Zilisch could not slow his car sufficiently. Seven of his nine DNFs have occurred in his last 13 starts, marking a difficult stretch in his debut season at the highest level of NASCAR. Zilisch expressed frustration on team radio following the collision.

Zilisch was recently confirmed as a future driver for Hendrick Motorsports from 2028 onwards, joining one of NASCAR's most established teams. His 2025 season in the O'Reilly Series, the year before his Cup Series debut, saw him record 10 victories. His struggles this season contrast sharply with the expectations surrounding his promotion to NASCAR's premier series.