Connor Zilisch calls crashing twice at Michigan 'embarrassing'

NASCAR Cup Series rookie Connor Zilisch was frustrated over the radio Sunday at Michigan International Speedway after crashing twice in the first 10 laps and finishing last in a Cup Series race for the third consecutive week. 

The 19-year-old native of Mooresville, N.C., is 34th out of 35 full-time drivers in the standings after the first 15 races of what has been a frustrating rookie season. 

"It was honestly embarrassing," Zilisch said Monday on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. "Definitely struggled to get the car where I wanted to in the race. Didn't really ever give it a chance, either, which I take the blame for. Not a lot to say about it. Frustrating day. It's been a tough month for me.

"Just got to keep my head down and remember what I'm capable of and who I am and know that it'll come if I keep working at it."

Results will come for Connor Zilisch

There isn't a question as to whether or not Zilisch is a talented driver. He won 11 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series races in 2025 and has been touted as one of the best prospects in NASCAR history. 

But racing at the Cup level is difficult, especially for rookies and especially for young drivers in NASCAR's current age of little practice time and few testing sessions. 

The good news for Zilisch is that after Sunday's race at Pocono Raceway, road course races at Naval Base Coronado and Sonoma await to close out the month of June. Those could at least be confidence-building weekends for the rookie driver as he navigates his maiden campaign.