Connor Zilisch Wins NASCAR O'Reilly Series Race at Bristol

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. comments on Tennessee's new motorsports program ahead of Food City 500

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:20am

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A vibrant, expressionist painting featuring bold, sweeping brushstrokes in neon colors that capture the raw energy and movement of a NASCAR race, with the cars and drivers blending together into an abstract, unrecognizable scene.An energetic, abstract depiction of the thrilling NASCAR O'Reilly Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway, where a new generation of drivers is making its mark.Rocky Top Today

In a race dominated by Kyle Larson, 19-year-old Connor Zilisch emerged victorious in the NASCAR O'Reilly Series event at Bristol Motor Speedway. The win comes as the state of Tennessee launches a new motorsports program, Rocky Top Racing, which NASCAR driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. commented on ahead of the Food City 500 race.

Why it matters

Zilisch's win at the Bristol short track is a breakthrough performance for the young driver, while Stenhouse's remarks highlight the growing interest and investment in motorsports in the state of Tennessee.

The details

Zilisch, a 19-year-old up-and-coming driver, capitalized on a late-race caution to take the lead and hold on for the victory in the NASCAR O'Reilly Series event at Bristol. The race was largely controlled by veteran driver Kyle Larson, but Zilisch's strategic pit stop and strong driving in the closing laps allowed him to claim the checkered flag. Meanwhile, NASCAR veteran Ricky Stenhouse Jr. commented on the new Rocky Top Racing motorsports program in Tennessee, expressing optimism about the state's growing involvement in the sport.

  • The NASCAR O'Reilly Series race took place on April 11, 2026 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
  • The Food City 500 NASCAR Cup Series race is scheduled for April 12, 2026 at Bristol.

The players

Connor Zilisch

A 19-year-old up-and-coming driver who won the NASCAR O'Reilly Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Kyle Larson

A veteran NASCAR driver who dominated much of the O'Reilly Series race at Bristol before Zilisch's late-race surge.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

A NASCAR driver who commented on the new Rocky Top Racing motorsports program in Tennessee ahead of the Food City 500 race.

Rocky Top Racing

A new motorsports program launched by the state of Tennessee.

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What they’re saying

“Tennessee's new motorsports program is an exciting development for the state and the sport. I'm looking forward to seeing how it grows and supports the next generation of racing talent.”

— Ricky Stenhouse Jr., NASCAR Driver

What’s next

The Food City 500 NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway is scheduled for April 12, 2026, where Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and other drivers will compete.

The takeaway

Zilisch's victory at Bristol showcases the emergence of young talent in NASCAR, while Stenhouse's comments on Tennessee's new motorsports program highlight the growing interest and investment in the sport across the state.