Connor Zilisch Sets NASCAR Record During Race at Naval Base Coronado

This season has not been the best for NASCARCup Series rookie Connor Zilisch. However, the 19-year-old set a new series record after taking the lead in Stage 2 at Naval Base Coronado.

According to NASCAR Insights, Connor Zilisch is the youngest driver to lead a lap on a road or street course in Cup Series history. At 19 years, 10 months, and 30 days old, he has rewritten a small part of NASCAR history.

At 19y 10m 30d old, Connor Zilisch is now the youngest driver to lead on a road course in Cup Series history. pic.twitter.com/2J5mTjNU4Q

— NASCAR Insights (@NASCARInsights) June 21, 2026

Of course, Zilisch is focused on winning the race today. A win would completely turn this season around from a morale standpoint. Zilisch is likely too far from Chase contention to even worry about that. Still, salvaging something from this season, like a Cup Series win in an inaugural race, is a big deal. He'll take the record, but the win is what he's relaly after.

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This story was originally published June 21, 2026 at 6:00 PM.