Connor Zilisch - Mission 176 at The Glen Race Recap
Event: Mission 176 at The Glen (72 laps / 176.4 miles)
Round: 17 of 25 (Regular Season)
Track: Watkins Glen International
Location: Watkins Glen, New York
Date & Time: Friday, August 8 | 5:00 PM ET
No. 45 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Connor Zilisch | Crew Chief: Phil Gould
Start: 14th | Stage 1: 4th | Stage 2: 28th
Finish: 8th | Driver Points: N/A | Owner Points: 6th
- Key Takeaway: Connor Zilisch and the No. 45 team took the scenic top-10 finish in Watkins Gien. Zilisch started off strong by finishing fourth in stage one and was on his way to a repeat performance in stage two before getting punted off the track by another competitor. After getting stuck in the gravel pit, Zilisch was trapped a lap down for a good portion of the race. Finally, the team earned the free pass to get back in contention, and the No. 45 charged towards the front once again. Though the truck was battered at the checkered flag, Zilisch and team carried it home to an eighth-place finish.
- Connor Zilisch's Post-Race Thoughts:
“That was a wild race. It felt like it never ended, and I think I got hit on every corner of the truck. So, that was less than ideal, but still to come away with decent points and a decent finish is something to take away from it. I hate that we couldn’t have a clean day and I felt like we had a truck that was able to contend for the win at the beginning of the race, but as soon as we got damage, it just kind of took away from what we had.”
About Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is a professional auto racing team founded by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2025, the team celebrates its 10th consecutive season competing in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) where it fields the Nos. 41, 42, 44 and 45. Since its founding in 2016, Niece Motorsports has garnered nine wins, 50+ top-fives, 100+ top-10s, 200+ top-15 finishes and made five playoff appearances. At its 80,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Salisbury, NC, Niece Motorsports is a trusted build shop for the Chevrolet Silverados of multiple NCTS teams as well as a customizable fabrication shop for any manufacturing needs.
Follow the Team: To keep up to date with the latest team news, visit niecemotorsports.com or connect on Facebook and Instagram (@NieceMotorsports) as well as X (@NieceMotorsport).
