Connor Zilisch Returns to NASCAR Cup, Xfinity Races at Charlotte

Connor Zilisch, an 18-year-old NASCAR driver, is set to return to racing this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway after recovering from a back injury sustained in a crash at Talladega Superspeedway. He will compete in both the NASCAR Xfinity Series North Carolina Education Lottery 300 and the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600, marking his second Cup start and first on an oval track. Despite missing the Texas Motor Speedway race due to his injury, Zilisch remains competitive in the Xfinity Series standings, currently ranking 12th and contending for Rookie of the Year. Zilisch expressed gratitude for the support during his recovery and emphasized he is fully healed and eager to race again, with his teams taking a cautious approach to his return. His injury was minor, with no major fractures, and he is expected to resume his pursuit of a championship and historic wins. The return is seen as a significant test of his endurance and skill, especially in the demanding 600-mile Coca-Cola 600 event.