WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. — Ahead of his highly anticipated NASCAR Xfinity Series debut, it didn’t take long for Connor Zilisch to make a splash.
Zilisch turned a lap of 71.028 seconds (124.176 mph) in the second round of qualifying to win the pole for Saturday’s Mission 200 at the Glen. He paced the field in all three sessions: practice and both rounds of qualifying.
NASCAR Cup Series regular Ty Gibbs will start seconds with A.J. Allmendinger, Justin Allgaier and Sam Mayer completing the top five. Chander Smith, Daytona 500 winner William Byron, Aric Almirola, Sheldon Creed and last week’s winner Austin Hill round out the top 10.
Shane van Gisbergen failed to advance out of the first round and will start 13th. Cole Custer starts 15th, Sammy Smith 17th and Parker Kligerman 19th.
Blaine Perkins, Jade Buford and Kyle Keller failed to qualify for the 82-lapper.
Saturday’s race is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET on USA Network.