Connor Zilisch Endures Disastrous Race at Michigan; Third Straight Last Place Finish

By Luis Torres, Staff Writer/Photographer

If Connor Zilisch didn’t have bad luck, he wouldn’t have any luck at all.

A page out of David Hobbs’ quote-book fits the NASCAR Cup Series rookie’s horrid campaign that reached uncanny levels in Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan Speedway.

Zilisch’s race lasted just eight laps before his afternoon ended early yet again, which saw him score his third straight last-place finish.

On the third lap of the race, Zilisch lost control at the entry of Turn 4 and hit the wall where he sustained damage on his left rear quarter panel. Erik Jones was also involved in the wreck as he brushed the wall after avoiding Zilisch.

A few laps after the restart, Zilisch, who was all the way in the back, lost control again on the backstretch. Only this time, the 19-year-old wasn’t as fortunate as the No. 88 WeatherTech Chevrolet hit the inside wall, crushing the front nose of the Trackhouse Racing machine.

“Gosh, man, oh my god! I’m sorry, guys,” said Zilisch over the radio.

As is the case for Zilisch lately, a crash ended his day and would make the trip to the infield care center where he was checked and released.

A frustrated Zilisch had little to say after finishing 37th.

“I was really loose,” said Zilisch. “It’s unfortunate to have another short race. We’ll try and get them at Pocono next week.”

A frustrating start. https://t.co/unXudWCh8A pic.twitter.com/Y27WArzrxc

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 7, 2026

In a category nobody wants to join, Zilisch becomes the first driver since Josh Berry last fall to end up last in the running order in three consecutive races.

Per LASTCAR’s Brock Beard, Ryan Preece (2020), Max Papis (2010), Dave Blaney (2009) and G.C. Spencer (1960) were the other previous drivers who’ve finished last in three straight races.

Therefore, Zilisch hopes next Sunday’s race at Pocono Raceway (3:00 p.m. ET on Prime Video) will be a turnaround across the board and avoid making the wrong kind of history of being the first driver to finish last in four consecutive races.

The Cup rookie will head to the 2.5-mile circuit 34th in the regular season standings.