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Deadspin | Strategic call elevates Connor Zilisch to win at Thunder Valley Apr 11, 2026; Bristol, Tennessee, USA; JR Motorsports driver Connor Zilisch (1) celebrates in victory lane after winning at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images BRISTOL, Tenn. — Connor Zilisch rediscovered his identity on Saturday night — as a winner. Thanks to a bold call from crew chief Rodney Childers, Zilisch stayed out on older tires with 28 laps left in the Suburban Propane 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway and took the checkered flag. With track position at the front of the field, Zilisch was able to hold off the dominant car of Kyle Larson, who had to settle for second place after leading 230 of 300 laps and sweeping the first two stages in the ninth NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts race of the season. For Zilisch, his first victory on a short track was a welcome respite from the struggles he has faced as rookie in the NASCAR Cup Series. “That was awesome,” said Zilisch, the fourth different winner for JR Motorsports this season. “It’s been a tough past two weeks for me in the Cup Series, and it feels good to come back down here into the O’Reilly Series and prove that I can still do it. “It’s tough. You finish in the back every week and you forget who you are. This feels good. We played strategy. Rodney made a great call to keep us out. The tires weren’t wearing much all night, and we were able to get our (No. 1) Roto-Rooter Chevrolet in the track position that I needed to go out and win the race.” Zilisch picked up his first win of the season, his first at Bristol and the 12th of his career. He was one of four JRM drivers in the top five, a group that included Larson, Justin Allgaier (fourth) and Carson Kvapil (fifth). Joe Gibbs Racing driver Brent Crews crashed that party with a third-place finish on the same strategy that propelled Zilisch to the victory. For the eighth time in his career, Allgaier collected a 0,000 bonus in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Dash 4 Cash program as the highest finisher among four eligible drivers (the top four in last Saturday’s race at Rockingham Speedway). A three-time winner this year, Allgaier retained his series lead by 130 points over second-place Sheldon Creed, who ran sixth at Bristol. Larson was leading with Allgaier in pursuit early in the final stage, when the engine in Mason Maggio’s Chevrolet exploded on the backstretch, filling the Last Great Coliseum with smoke. Maggio steered the car to pit road where it erupted in flames. Several of Allgaier’s crew members helped pull Maggio from the car. The driver was uninjured. But the fireworks were just starting. After the resumption from a 3-minute 5-second red flag period, Larson dominated — until Gray Gaulding’s spin in Turn 1 caused the seventh caution of the evening on lap 270. Zilisch, Crews and Corey Day stayed out on older tires, with Larson fourth on new rubber. Larson, Zilisch and Crews battled for position until the eighth caution for Anthony Alfredo’s spin on the frontstretch slowed the race for the final time. An intense battle for the lead followed the subsequent restart with 11 laps left. Larson passed Crews for second and harried Zilisch until his No. 88 Chevy slipped in Turn 4 with just over two laps left, giving Zilisch the margin he needed to win by 0.703 seconds. The victory was Childers’ first in the O’Reilly Series, after a long and successful run as a Cup crew chief, predominantly with Kevin Harvick. Larson enjoyed the battle, if not the outcome. “It’s a bummer, but I had a lot of fun tonight,” said Larson, who will race in Sunday’s Food City 500 NASCAR Cup Series event. “Our car was really good. Just tough being the leader in that situation of knowing to pit or not … “But I’m happy with the run. It just doesn’t always work out.” Pole winner William Sawalich was seventh, followed by Day, Parker Retzlaff and Taylor Gray. Day recorded his eighth straight top-10 finish. NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race — Suburban Propane 300 Bristol Motor Speedway Bristol, Tennessee Saturday, April 11, 2026 1. (15) Connor Zilisch(i), Chevrolet, 300. 2. (3) Kyle Larson(i), Chevrolet, 300. 3. (17) Brent Crews #, Toyota, 300. 4. (7) Justin Allgaier, Chevrolet, 300. 5. (8) Carson Kvapil, Chevrolet, 300. 6. (2) Sheldon Creed, Chevrolet, 300. 7. (1) William Sawalich, Toyota, 300. 8. (14) Corey Day, Chevrolet, 300. 9. (9) Parker Retzlaff, Chevrolet, 300. 10. (6) Taylor Gray, Toyota, 300. 11. (11) Ryan Sieg, Chevrolet, 300. 12. (12) Jesse Love, Chevrolet, 300. 13. (16) Sammy Smith, Chevrolet, 300. 14. (38) Rajah Caruth, Chevrolet, 300. 15. (19) Jeremy Clements, Chevrolet, 300. 16. (13) Jeb Burton, Chevrolet, 300. 17. (22) Harrison Burton, Toyota, 300. 18. (10) Brennan Poole, Chevrolet, 300. 19. (4) Brandon Jones, Toyota, 300. 20. (5) Sam Mayer, Chevrolet, 300. 21. (23) Austin Hill, Chevrolet, 300. 22. (30) Blaine Perkins, Chevrolet, 299. 23. (27) Josh Bilicki, Chevrolet, 299. 24. (21) Dean Thompson, Toyota, 298. 25. (20) Kyle Sieg, Chevrolet, 298. 26. (34) JJ Yeley, Ford, 298. 27. (32) Patrick Staropoli #, Chevrolet, 298. 28. (28) Gray Gaulding, Chevrolet, 298. 29. (29) Josh Williams, Chevrolet, 297. 30. (33) Ryan Ellis, Chevrolet, 297. 31. (36) Joey Gase, Chevrolet, 297. 32. (26) Lavar Scott #, Chevrolet, 295. 33. (24) Logan Bearden, Chevrolet, 295. 34. (37) Blake Lothian, Toyota, 295. 35. (25) Austin Green, Chevrolet, 290. 36. (18) Anthony Alfredo, Chevrolet, 287. 37. (31) Mason Maggio, Chevrolet, Engine, 191. 38. (35) Garrett Smithley, Chevrolet, Suspension, 176. Average Speed of Race Winner: 77.884 mph. Time of Race: 2 Hrs, 3 Mins, 11 Secs. Margin of Victory: 0.703 Seconds. Caution Flags: 8 for 59 laps. Lead Changes: 13 among 7 drivers. Lap Leaders: W. Sawalich 1-27;K. Larson(i) 28-64;B. Jones 65;R. Sieg 66-69;J. Clements 70;R. Sieg 71-79;K. Larson(i) 80-175;B. Jones 176;K. Larson(i) 177-272;C. Zilisch(i) 273-288;K. Larson(i) 289;C. Zilisch(i) 290;B. Crews # 291-293;C. Zilisch(i) 294-300. Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Lead, Laps Led): Kyle Larson(i) 4 times for 230 laps; William Sawalich 1 time for 27 laps; Connor Zilisch(i) 3 times for 24 laps; Ryan Sieg 2 times for 13 laps; Brent Crews # 1 time for 3 laps; Brandon Jones 2 times for 2 laps; Jeremy Clements 1 time for 1 lap. Stage #1 Top Ten: 88,00,39,7,20,18,1,2,41,17 Stage #2 Top Ten: 88,00,7,1,19,18,20,41,17,9 –By Reid Spencer, NASCAR Wire Service. Special to Field Level Media. #Deadspin #Strategic #call #elevates #Connor #Zilisch #win #Thunder #Valley

Deadspin | Strategic call elevates Connor Zilisch to win at Thunder Valley
Deadspin | Strategic call elevates Connor Zilisch to win at Thunder Valley Apr 11, 2026; Bristol, Tennessee, USA; JR Motorsports driver Connor Zilisch (1) celebrates in victory lane after winning at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images BRISTOL, Tenn. — Connor Zilisch rediscovered his identity on Saturday night — as a winner. Thanks to a bold call from crew chief Rodney Childers, Zilisch stayed out on older tires with 28 laps left in the Suburban Propane 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway and took the checkered flag. With track position at the front of the field, Zilisch was able to hold off the dominant car of Kyle Larson, who had to settle for second place after leading 230 of 300 laps and sweeping the first two stages in the ninth NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts race of the season. For Zilisch, his first victory on a short track was a welcome respite from the struggles he has faced as rookie in the NASCAR Cup Series. “That was awesome,” said Zilisch, the fourth different winner for JR Motorsports this season. “It’s been a tough past two weeks for me in the Cup Series, and it feels good to come back down here into the O’Reilly Series and prove that I can still do it. “It’s tough. You finish in the back every week and you forget who you are. This feels good. We played strategy. Rodney made a great call to keep us out. The tires weren’t wearing much all night, and we were able to get our (No. 1) Roto-Rooter Chevrolet in the track position that I needed to go out and win the race.” Zilisch picked up his first win of the season, his first at Bristol and the 12th of his career. He was one of four JRM drivers in the top five, a group that included Larson, Justin Allgaier (fourth) and Carson Kvapil (fifth). Joe Gibbs Racing driver Brent Crews crashed that party with a third-place finish on the same strategy that propelled Zilisch to the victory. For the eighth time in his career, Allgaier collected a 0,000 bonus in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Dash 4 Cash program as the highest finisher among four eligible drivers (the top four in last Saturday’s race at Rockingham Speedway). A three-time winner this year, Allgaier retained his series lead by 130 points over second-place Sheldon Creed, who ran sixth at Bristol. Larson was leading with Allgaier in pursuit early in the final stage, when the engine in Mason Maggio’s Chevrolet exploded on the backstretch, filling the Last Great Coliseum with smoke. Maggio steered the car to pit road where it erupted in flames. Several of Allgaier’s crew members helped pull Maggio from the car. The driver was uninjured. But the fireworks were just starting. After the resumption from a 3-minute 5-second red flag period, Larson dominated — until Gray Gaulding’s spin in Turn 1 caused the seventh caution of the evening on lap 270. Zilisch, Crews and Corey Day stayed out on older tires, with Larson fourth on new rubber. Larson, Zilisch and Crews battled for position until the eighth caution for Anthony Alfredo’s spin on the frontstretch slowed the race for the final time. An intense battle for the lead followed the subsequent restart with 11 laps left. Larson passed Crews for second and harried Zilisch until his No. 88 Chevy slipped in Turn 4 with just over two laps left, giving Zilisch the margin he needed to win by 0.703 seconds. The victory was Childers’ first in the O’Reilly Series, after a long and successful run as a Cup crew chief, predominantly with Kevin Harvick. Larson enjoyed the battle, if not the outcome. “It’s a bummer, but I had a lot of fun tonight,” said Larson, who will race in Sunday’s Food City 500 NASCAR Cup Series event. “Our car was really good. Just tough being the leader in that situation of knowing to pit or not … “But I’m happy with the run. It just doesn’t always work out.” Pole winner William Sawalich was seventh, followed by Day, Parker Retzlaff and Taylor Gray. Day recorded his eighth straight top-10 finish. NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race — Suburban Propane 300 Bristol Motor Speedway Bristol, Tennessee Saturday, April 11, 2026 1. (15) Connor Zilisch(i), Chevrolet, 300. 2. (3) Kyle Larson(i), Chevrolet, 300. 3. (17) Brent Crews #, Toyota, 300. 4. (7) Justin Allgaier, Chevrolet, 300. 5. (8) Carson Kvapil, Chevrolet, 300. 6. (2) Sheldon Creed, Chevrolet, 300. 7. (1) William Sawalich, Toyota, 300. 8. (14) Corey Day, Chevrolet, 300. 9. (9) Parker Retzlaff, Chevrolet, 300. 10. (6) Taylor Gray, Toyota, 300. 11. (11) Ryan Sieg, Chevrolet, 300. 12. (12) Jesse Love, Chevrolet, 300. 13. (16) Sammy Smith, Chevrolet, 300. 14. (38) Rajah Caruth, Chevrolet, 300. 15. (19) Jeremy Clements, Chevrolet, 300. 16. (13) Jeb Burton, Chevrolet, 300. 17. (22) Harrison Burton, Toyota, 300. 18. (10) Brennan Poole, Chevrolet, 300. 19. (4) Brandon Jones, Toyota, 300. 20. (5) Sam Mayer, Chevrolet, 300. 21. (23) Austin Hill, Chevrolet, 300. 22. (30) Blaine Perkins, Chevrolet, 299. 23. (27) Josh Bilicki, Chevrolet, 299. 24. (21) Dean Thompson, Toyota, 298. 25. (20) Kyle Sieg, Chevrolet, 298. 26. (34) JJ Yeley, Ford, 298. 27. (32) Patrick Staropoli #, Chevrolet, 298. 28. (28) Gray Gaulding, Chevrolet, 298. 29. (29) Josh Williams, Chevrolet, 297. 30. (33) Ryan Ellis, Chevrolet, 297. 31. (36) Joey Gase, Chevrolet, 297. 32. (26) Lavar Scott #, Chevrolet, 295. 33. (24) Logan Bearden, Chevrolet, 295. 34. (37) Blake Lothian, Toyota, 295. 35. (25) Austin Green, Chevrolet, 290. 36. (18) Anthony Alfredo, Chevrolet, 287. 37. (31) Mason Maggio, Chevrolet, Engine, 191. 38. (35) Garrett Smithley, Chevrolet, Suspension, 176. Average Speed of Race Winner: 77.884 mph. Time of Race: 2 Hrs, 3 Mins, 11 Secs. Margin of Victory: 0.703 Seconds. Caution Flags: 8 for 59 laps. Lead Changes: 13 among 7 drivers. Lap Leaders: W. Sawalich 1-27;K. Larson(i) 28-64;B. Jones 65;R. Sieg 66-69;J. Clements 70;R. Sieg 71-79;K. Larson(i) 80-175;B. Jones 176;K. Larson(i) 177-272;C. Zilisch(i) 273-288;K. Larson(i) 289;C. Zilisch(i) 290;B. Crews # 291-293;C. Zilisch(i) 294-300. Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Lead, Laps Led): Kyle Larson(i) 4 times for 230 laps; William Sawalich 1 time for 27 laps; Connor Zilisch(i) 3 times for 24 laps; Ryan Sieg 2 times for 13 laps; Brent Crews # 1 time for 3 laps; Brandon Jones 2 times for 2 laps; Jeremy Clements 1 time for 1 lap. Stage #1 Top Ten: 88,00,39,7,20,18,1,2,41,17 Stage #2 Top Ten: 88,00,7,1,19,18,20,41,17,9 –By Reid Spencer, NASCAR Wire Service. Special to Field Level Media. #Deadspin #Strategic #call #elevates #Connor #Zilisch #win #Thunder #ValleyApr 11, 2026; Bristol, Tennessee, USA; JR Motorsports driver Connor Zilisch (1) celebrates in victory lane after winning at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Connor Zilisch rediscovered his identity on Saturday night — as a winner.

Thanks to a bold call from crew chief Rodney Childers, Zilisch stayed out on older tires with 28 laps left in the Suburban Propane 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway and took the checkered flag.

With track position at the front of the field, Zilisch was able to hold off the dominant car of Kyle Larson, who had to settle for second place after leading 230 of 300 laps and sweeping the first two stages in the ninth NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts race of the season.

For Zilisch, his first victory on a short track was a welcome respite from the struggles he has faced as rookie in the NASCAR Cup Series.

“That was awesome,” said Zilisch, the fourth different winner for JR Motorsports this season. “It’s been a tough past two weeks for me in the Cup Series, and it feels good to come back down here into the O’Reilly Series and prove that I can still do it.

“It’s tough. You finish in the back every week and you forget who you are. This feels good. We played strategy. Rodney made a great call to keep us out. The tires weren’t wearing much all night, and we were able to get our (No. 1) Roto-Rooter Chevrolet in the track position that I needed to go out and win the race.”

Zilisch picked up his first win of the season, his first at Bristol and the 12th of his career. He was one of four JRM drivers in the top five, a group that included Larson, Justin Allgaier (fourth) and Carson Kvapil (fifth). Joe Gibbs Racing driver Brent Crews crashed that party with a third-place finish on the same strategy that propelled Zilisch to the victory.

For the eighth time in his career, Allgaier collected a $100,000 bonus in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Dash 4 Cash program as the highest finisher among four eligible drivers (the top four in last Saturday’s race at Rockingham Speedway).

A three-time winner this year, Allgaier retained his series lead by 130 points over second-place Sheldon Creed, who ran sixth at Bristol.

Larson was leading with Allgaier in pursuit early in the final stage, when the engine in Mason Maggio’s Chevrolet exploded on the backstretch, filling the Last Great Coliseum with smoke.

Maggio steered the car to pit road where it erupted in flames. Several of Allgaier’s crew members helped pull Maggio from the car. The driver was uninjured.

But the fireworks were just starting. After the resumption from a 3-minute 5-second red flag period, Larson dominated — until Gray Gaulding’s spin in Turn 1 caused the seventh caution of the evening on lap 270.

Zilisch, Crews and Corey Day stayed out on older tires, with Larson fourth on new rubber. Larson, Zilisch and Crews battled for position until the eighth caution for Anthony Alfredo’s spin on the frontstretch slowed the race for the final time.

An intense battle for the lead followed the subsequent restart with 11 laps left. Larson passed Crews for second and harried Zilisch until his No. 88 Chevy slipped in Turn 4 with just over two laps left, giving Zilisch the margin he needed to win by 0.703 seconds.

The victory was Childers’ first in the O’Reilly Series, after a long and successful run as a Cup crew chief, predominantly with Kevin Harvick.

Larson enjoyed the battle, if not the outcome.

“It’s a bummer, but I had a lot of fun tonight,” said Larson, who will race in Sunday’s Food City 500 NASCAR Cup Series event. “Our car was really good. Just tough being the leader in that situation of knowing to pit or not …

“But I’m happy with the run. It just doesn’t always work out.”

Pole winner William Sawalich was seventh, followed by Day, Parker Retzlaff and Taylor Gray. Day recorded his eighth straight top-10 finish.

NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race — Suburban Propane 300

Bristol Motor Speedway

Bristol, Tennessee

Saturday, April 11, 2026

1. (15) Connor Zilisch(i), Chevrolet, 300.

2. (3) Kyle Larson(i), Chevrolet, 300.

3. (17) Brent Crews #, Toyota, 300.

4. (7) Justin Allgaier, Chevrolet, 300.

5. (8) Carson Kvapil, Chevrolet, 300.

6. (2) Sheldon Creed, Chevrolet, 300.

7. (1) William Sawalich, Toyota, 300.

8. (14) Corey Day, Chevrolet, 300.

9. (9) Parker Retzlaff, Chevrolet, 300.

10. (6) Taylor Gray, Toyota, 300.

11. (11) Ryan Sieg, Chevrolet, 300.


12. (12) Jesse Love, Chevrolet, 300.

13. (16) Sammy Smith, Chevrolet, 300.

14. (38) Rajah Caruth, Chevrolet, 300.

15. (19) Jeremy Clements, Chevrolet, 300.

16. (13) Jeb Burton, Chevrolet, 300.

17. (22) Harrison Burton, Toyota, 300.

18. (10) Brennan Poole, Chevrolet, 300.

19. (4) Brandon Jones, Toyota, 300.

20. (5) Sam Mayer, Chevrolet, 300.

21. (23) Austin Hill, Chevrolet, 300.

22. (30) Blaine Perkins, Chevrolet, 299.

23. (27) Josh Bilicki, Chevrolet, 299.

24. (21) Dean Thompson, Toyota, 298.

25. (20) Kyle Sieg, Chevrolet, 298.

26. (34) JJ Yeley, Ford, 298.

27. (32) Patrick Staropoli #, Chevrolet, 298.

28. (28) Gray Gaulding, Chevrolet, 298.

29. (29) Josh Williams, Chevrolet, 297.

30. (33) Ryan Ellis, Chevrolet, 297.

31. (36) Joey Gase, Chevrolet, 297.

32. (26) Lavar Scott #, Chevrolet, 295.

33. (24) Logan Bearden, Chevrolet, 295.

34. (37) Blake Lothian, Toyota, 295.

35. (25) Austin Green, Chevrolet, 290.

36. (18) Anthony Alfredo, Chevrolet, 287.

37. (31) Mason Maggio, Chevrolet, Engine, 191.

38. (35) Garrett Smithley, Chevrolet, Suspension, 176.

Average Speed of Race Winner: 77.884 mph.

Time of Race: 2 Hrs, 3 Mins, 11 Secs. Margin of Victory: 0.703 Seconds.

Caution Flags: 8 for 59 laps.

Lead Changes: 13 among 7 drivers.

Lap Leaders: W. Sawalich 1-27;K. Larson(i) 28-64;B. Jones 65;R. Sieg 66-69;J. Clements 70;R. Sieg 71-79;K. Larson(i) 80-175;B. Jones 176;K. Larson(i) 177-272;C. Zilisch(i) 273-288;K. Larson(i) 289;C. Zilisch(i) 290;B. Crews # 291-293;C. Zilisch(i) 294-300.

Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Lead, Laps Led): Kyle Larson(i) 4 times for 230 laps; William Sawalich 1 time for 27 laps; Connor Zilisch(i) 3 times for 24 laps; Ryan Sieg 2 times for 13 laps; Brent Crews # 1 time for 3 laps; Brandon Jones 2 times for 2 laps; Jeremy Clements 1 time for 1 lap.

Stage #1 Top Ten: 88,00,39,7,20,18,1,2,41,17

Stage #2 Top Ten: 88,00,7,1,19,18,20,41,17,9


–By Reid Spencer, NASCAR Wire Service. Special to Field Level Media.

#Deadspin #Strategic #call #elevates #Connor #Zilisch #win #Thunder #Valley

Sports news

Apr 11, 2026; Bristol, Tennessee, USA; JR Motorsports driver Connor Zilisch (1) celebrates in victory lane after winning at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Connor Zilisch rediscovered his identity on Saturday night — as a winner.

Thanks to a bold call from crew chief Rodney Childers, Zilisch stayed out on older tires with 28 laps left in the Suburban Propane 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway and took the checkered flag.

With track position at the front of the field, Zilisch was able to hold off the dominant car of Kyle Larson, who had to settle for second place after leading 230 of 300 laps and sweeping the first two stages in the ninth NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts race of the season.

For Zilisch, his first victory on a short track was a welcome respite from the struggles he has faced as rookie in the NASCAR Cup Series.

“That was awesome,” said Zilisch, the fourth different winner for JR Motorsports this season. “It’s been a tough past two weeks for me in the Cup Series, and it feels good to come back down here into the O’Reilly Series and prove that I can still do it.

“It’s tough. You finish in the back every week and you forget who you are. This feels good. We played strategy. Rodney made a great call to keep us out. The tires weren’t wearing much all night, and we were able to get our (No. 1) Roto-Rooter Chevrolet in the track position that I needed to go out and win the race.”

Zilisch picked up his first win of the season, his first at Bristol and the 12th of his career. He was one of four JRM drivers in the top five, a group that included Larson, Justin Allgaier (fourth) and Carson Kvapil (fifth). Joe Gibbs Racing driver Brent Crews crashed that party with a third-place finish on the same strategy that propelled Zilisch to the victory.

For the eighth time in his career, Allgaier collected a $100,000 bonus in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Dash 4 Cash program as the highest finisher among four eligible drivers (the top four in last Saturday’s race at Rockingham Speedway).

A three-time winner this year, Allgaier retained his series lead by 130 points over second-place Sheldon Creed, who ran sixth at Bristol.

Larson was leading with Allgaier in pursuit early in the final stage, when the engine in Mason Maggio’s Chevrolet exploded on the backstretch, filling the Last Great Coliseum with smoke.

Maggio steered the car to pit road where it erupted in flames. Several of Allgaier’s crew members helped pull Maggio from the car. The driver was uninjured.

But the fireworks were just starting. After the resumption from a 3-minute 5-second red flag period, Larson dominated — until Gray Gaulding’s spin in Turn 1 caused the seventh caution of the evening on lap 270.

Zilisch, Crews and Corey Day stayed out on older tires, with Larson fourth on new rubber. Larson, Zilisch and Crews battled for position until the eighth caution for Anthony Alfredo’s spin on the frontstretch slowed the race for the final time.

An intense battle for the lead followed the subsequent restart with 11 laps left. Larson passed Crews for second and harried Zilisch until his No. 88 Chevy slipped in Turn 4 with just over two laps left, giving Zilisch the margin he needed to win by 0.703 seconds.

The victory was Childers’ first in the O’Reilly Series, after a long and successful run as a Cup crew chief, predominantly with Kevin Harvick.

Larson enjoyed the battle, if not the outcome.

“It’s a bummer, but I had a lot of fun tonight,” said Larson, who will race in Sunday’s Food City 500 NASCAR Cup Series event. “Our car was really good. Just tough being the leader in that situation of knowing to pit or not …

“But I’m happy with the run. It just doesn’t always work out.”

Pole winner William Sawalich was seventh, followed by Day, Parker Retzlaff and Taylor Gray. Day recorded his eighth straight top-10 finish.

NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race — Suburban Propane 300

Bristol Motor Speedway

Bristol, Tennessee

Saturday, April 11, 2026

1. (15) Connor Zilisch(i), Chevrolet, 300.

2. (3) Kyle Larson(i), Chevrolet, 300.

3. (17) Brent Crews #, Toyota, 300.

4. (7) Justin Allgaier, Chevrolet, 300.

5. (8) Carson Kvapil, Chevrolet, 300.

6. (2) Sheldon Creed, Chevrolet, 300.

7. (1) William Sawalich, Toyota, 300.

8. (14) Corey Day, Chevrolet, 300.

9. (9) Parker Retzlaff, Chevrolet, 300.

10. (6) Taylor Gray, Toyota, 300.

11. (11) Ryan Sieg, Chevrolet, 300.

12. (12) Jesse Love, Chevrolet, 300.

13. (16) Sammy Smith, Chevrolet, 300.

14. (38) Rajah Caruth, Chevrolet, 300.

15. (19) Jeremy Clements, Chevrolet, 300.

16. (13) Jeb Burton, Chevrolet, 300.

17. (22) Harrison Burton, Toyota, 300.

18. (10) Brennan Poole, Chevrolet, 300.

19. (4) Brandon Jones, Toyota, 300.

20. (5) Sam Mayer, Chevrolet, 300.

21. (23) Austin Hill, Chevrolet, 300.

22. (30) Blaine Perkins, Chevrolet, 299.

23. (27) Josh Bilicki, Chevrolet, 299.

24. (21) Dean Thompson, Toyota, 298.

25. (20) Kyle Sieg, Chevrolet, 298.

26. (34) JJ Yeley, Ford, 298.

27. (32) Patrick Staropoli #, Chevrolet, 298.

28. (28) Gray Gaulding, Chevrolet, 298.

29. (29) Josh Williams, Chevrolet, 297.

30. (33) Ryan Ellis, Chevrolet, 297.

31. (36) Joey Gase, Chevrolet, 297.

32. (26) Lavar Scott #, Chevrolet, 295.

33. (24) Logan Bearden, Chevrolet, 295.

34. (37) Blake Lothian, Toyota, 295.

35. (25) Austin Green, Chevrolet, 290.

36. (18) Anthony Alfredo, Chevrolet, 287.

37. (31) Mason Maggio, Chevrolet, Engine, 191.

38. (35) Garrett Smithley, Chevrolet, Suspension, 176.

Average Speed of Race Winner: 77.884 mph.

Time of Race: 2 Hrs, 3 Mins, 11 Secs. Margin of Victory: 0.703 Seconds.

Caution Flags: 8 for 59 laps.

Lead Changes: 13 among 7 drivers.

Lap Leaders: W. Sawalich 1-27;K. Larson(i) 28-64;B. Jones 65;R. Sieg 66-69;J. Clements 70;R. Sieg 71-79;K. Larson(i) 80-175;B. Jones 176;K. Larson(i) 177-272;C. Zilisch(i) 273-288;K. Larson(i) 289;C. Zilisch(i) 290;B. Crews # 291-293;C. Zilisch(i) 294-300.

Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Lead, Laps Led): Kyle Larson(i) 4 times for 230 laps; William Sawalich 1 time for 27 laps; Connor Zilisch(i) 3 times for 24 laps; Ryan Sieg 2 times for 13 laps; Brent Crews # 1 time for 3 laps; Brandon Jones 2 times for 2 laps; Jeremy Clements 1 time for 1 lap.

Stage #1 Top Ten: 88,00,39,7,20,18,1,2,41,17

Stage #2 Top Ten: 88,00,7,1,19,18,20,41,17,9

–By Reid Spencer, NASCAR Wire Service. Special to Field Level Media.

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IFL 2025-26: Sreenidi Deccan edges past Rajasthan United; Real Kashmir thrashes Gokulam Kerala <div id="content-body-70855067" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Sreenidi Deccan FC edged past Rajasthan United FC 2-1 to secure three crucial points in a match which saw both teams reduced to 10 men in their Indian Football League 2025-26 match at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad on Sunday.</p><p>Brandon Vanlalremdika and Lalthankhuma scored for the home side, while Issac Nortey found the net for Rajasthan. P.P. Shafeel was shown a straight red card in the 48th minute, while Lalromawia was sent off after receiving two yellow cards.</p><p>Sreenidi occupies the second spot temporarily with 15 points from eight matches, while Rajasthan is below it in third place with 14 points.</p><p>The home side looked the sharper of the two in the early exchanges, with Rajasthan appearing a bit unorganised following the numerous changes to its usual lineup. Brandon was particularly lively in midfield and had an early effort from distance blocked after being afforded too much space.</p><p>The Rajasthan defence repeated the same mistake soon after, once again allowing Brandon time on the ball in midfield, and he made them pay in the 17th minute. Driving forward after receiving possession, he unleashed a thunderous strike from distance that flew past the goalkeeper, who was left rooted to the spot.</p><p>Rajasthan started to apply pressure, while the home side remained content to sit back, defend its lead, and looked to hit on the counter. Sreenidi held firm at the back, protecting its box well and denying the opposition any further clear chances as it carried its slender one-goal advantage into the break.</p><p>Rajasthan was reduced to ten men just three minutes after the restart. Defender Shafeel, in an attempt to win an aerial duel, swung his arm into the head of Lalromawia, leaving the referee with no option but to issue a straight red card.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/indian-football/mohun-bagan-vs-punjab-score-result-isl-2025-26-mbsg-v-pfc-highlights-maclaren-sahal-goals-football-news/article70854994.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">ISL 2025-26: Mohun Bagan SG completes late comeback to edge Punjab FC 3-2</a></b></p><p>Despite being a man down, the visitor created the clearer chances and looked particularly dangerous from set pieces.</p><p>The sustained pressure eventually paid off just before the 75th minute, as the Desert Warriors found the equaliser from a set piece. Issac Nortey rose above his marker to power a header from Jonathan Fernandes’ corner past the goalkeeper.</p><p>Parity in numbers was restored soon after the goal as Sreenidi was also reduced to ten men, with Lalromawia sent off after receiving his second booking of the game.</p><p>Sreenidi took the lead seven minutes from time with another effort from distance. Lalthankhuma received the ball at the edge of the box and, with minimal backlift, unleashed a powerful strike that beat goalkeeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri and found the back of the net.</p><p>It was the home side’s fourth win of the season and confirmed its place in the top six ahead of the second round of matches.</p><p>Earlier in the day, Real Kashmir FC produced a stunning second-half performance to thrash Gokulam Kerala FC 6-2 and secure its first win of the league campaign.</p><p>Moses Lalrinzuala had given Gokulam the lead in the 13th minute, but Shedrack Charles equalised just four minutes later. The host then took control after the break, with Ahteeb Ahmad finding the net, Marius Obekop scoring a brace, and late goals from Junior Traore and Calvin Baretto sealing an emphatic victory. Benjamin Kuku pulled one back for Gokulam in the second half.</p><p>The comprehensive result provides a significant boost to the Snow Leopards’ survival hopes, while dealing a major blow to Gokulam’s ambitions of a top-six finish.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 12, 2026</p></div> #IFL #Sreenidi #Deccan #edges #Rajasthan #United #Real #Kashmir #thrashes #Gokulam #Kerala

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Deadspin | Chicago Fire use early goal to extend Atlanta’s road woes Apr 11, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Fire FC defender Leonardo Barroso (2) defends against Atlanta United FC midfielder Matías Galarza (88) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Maren Haile-Selassie scored his first goal of the season just before the quarter-hour mark for the Chicago Fire, who defeated visiting Atlanta United 1-0 on Saturday night. Philip Zinckernagel and Jonathan Bamba assisted on the goal for Chicago (4-2-1, 13 points), which won its third consecutive match to improve to 3-1-0 at Soldier Field. Atlanta (1-5-1, 4 points), which dropped to 0-3-0 on the road this season, has lost back-to-back outings. Haile-Selassie’s goal came in the 13th minute. Zinckernagel ventured forward on the right side, entered the scoring area, and slid it to Bamba. Bamba’s touch found Haile-Selassie, who struck it past a lunging Lucas Hoyos for a 1-0 lead. Atlanta nearly leveled it right after the ensuing kickoff, but Tomas Jacob’s attempt rang off the woodwork. Later in the half, the Fire came close to breaching Atlanta’s defense and doubling their lead. Andrew Gutman had an opportunity to make it 2-0 Fire in the 39th minute, but the former Atlanta defender shot it off the post. A minute later, Bamba struck the crossbar. Haile-Selassie appeared to complete his brace to make it 2-0 in the 74th minute, but he was offside in the buildup. Ultimately, Chicago’s first-half goal ended up being the only one of the match as it played to a second straight 1-0 result. The Fire have allowed just five goals in 2026. Chris Brady made four saves for his fourth clean sheet of the season. Hoyos was credited with a pair of saves for Atlanta. Atlanta has lost its last six regular-season matches away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium and is 1-14-5 in its last 20 on the road. It also saw its winless streak in Chicago reach eight matches (0-5-3). Atlanta United head coach Tata Martino served a one-match suspension after being shown a red card during a 3-1 loss to the Columbus Crew on April 4. Alexey Miranchuk, Atlanta’s leading scorer (four goals), missed Saturday’s match because of a muscle injury. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Chicago #Fire #early #goal #extend #Atlantas #road #woesApr 11, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Fire FC defender Leonardo Barroso (2) defends against Atlanta United FC midfielder Matías Galarza (88) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Maren Haile-Selassie scored his first goal of the season just before the quarter-hour mark for the Chicago Fire, who defeated visiting Atlanta United 1-0 on Saturday night.

Philip Zinckernagel and Jonathan Bamba assisted on the goal for Chicago (4-2-1, 13 points), which won its third consecutive match to improve to 3-1-0 at Soldier Field.

Atlanta (1-5-1, 4 points), which dropped to 0-3-0 on the road this season, has lost back-to-back outings.

Haile-Selassie’s goal came in the 13th minute. Zinckernagel ventured forward on the right side, entered the scoring area, and slid it to Bamba. Bamba’s touch found Haile-Selassie, who struck it past a lunging Lucas Hoyos for a 1-0 lead.

Atlanta nearly leveled it right after the ensuing kickoff, but Tomas Jacob’s attempt rang off the woodwork.

Later in the half, the Fire came close to breaching Atlanta’s defense and doubling their lead. Andrew Gutman had an opportunity to make it 2-0 Fire in the 39th minute, but the former Atlanta defender shot it off the post. A minute later, Bamba struck the crossbar.


Haile-Selassie appeared to complete his brace to make it 2-0 in the 74th minute, but he was offside in the buildup.

Ultimately, Chicago’s first-half goal ended up being the only one of the match as it played to a second straight 1-0 result. The Fire have allowed just five goals in 2026.

Chris Brady made four saves for his fourth clean sheet of the season. Hoyos was credited with a pair of saves for Atlanta.

Atlanta has lost its last six regular-season matches away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium and is 1-14-5 in its last 20 on the road. It also saw its winless streak in Chicago reach eight matches (0-5-3).

Atlanta United head coach Tata Martino served a one-match suspension after being shown a red card during a 3-1 loss to the Columbus Crew on April 4.

Alexey Miranchuk, Atlanta’s leading scorer (four goals), missed Saturday’s match because of a muscle injury.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Chicago #Fire #early #goal #extend #Atlantas #road #woes">Deadspin | Chicago Fire use early goal to extend Atlanta’s road woes Apr 11, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Fire FC defender Leonardo Barroso (2) defends against Atlanta United FC midfielder Matías Galarza (88) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Maren Haile-Selassie scored his first goal of the season just before the quarter-hour mark for the Chicago Fire, who defeated visiting Atlanta United 1-0 on Saturday night. Philip Zinckernagel and Jonathan Bamba assisted on the goal for Chicago (4-2-1, 13 points), which won its third consecutive match to improve to 3-1-0 at Soldier Field. Atlanta (1-5-1, 4 points), which dropped to 0-3-0 on the road this season, has lost back-to-back outings. Haile-Selassie’s goal came in the 13th minute. Zinckernagel ventured forward on the right side, entered the scoring area, and slid it to Bamba. Bamba’s touch found Haile-Selassie, who struck it past a lunging Lucas Hoyos for a 1-0 lead. Atlanta nearly leveled it right after the ensuing kickoff, but Tomas Jacob’s attempt rang off the woodwork. Later in the half, the Fire came close to breaching Atlanta’s defense and doubling their lead. Andrew Gutman had an opportunity to make it 2-0 Fire in the 39th minute, but the former Atlanta defender shot it off the post. A minute later, Bamba struck the crossbar. Haile-Selassie appeared to complete his brace to make it 2-0 in the 74th minute, but he was offside in the buildup. Ultimately, Chicago’s first-half goal ended up being the only one of the match as it played to a second straight 1-0 result. The Fire have allowed just five goals in 2026. Chris Brady made four saves for his fourth clean sheet of the season. Hoyos was credited with a pair of saves for Atlanta. Atlanta has lost its last six regular-season matches away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium and is 1-14-5 in its last 20 on the road. It also saw its winless streak in Chicago reach eight matches (0-5-3). Atlanta United head coach Tata Martino served a one-match suspension after being shown a red card during a 3-1 loss to the Columbus Crew on April 4. Alexey Miranchuk, Atlanta’s leading scorer (four goals), missed Saturday’s match because of a muscle injury. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Chicago #Fire #early #goal #extend #Atlantas #road #woes

Two-time Asian Games champion shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor produced a 21.03m effort to clinch the men’s title at the one-day Indian Athletics Series at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday.

The 31-year-old national record holder, however, feels he is still some distance away from his personal best and the kind of throws he has been producing in training.

“If I am fit, I can do anything. I still haven’t thrown to my full potential like I did in previous years. If I can reach that level again, I believe it could be the biggest throw for India,” he told reporters after the event.

Toor added that his primary goal this season is to win India’s first-ever shot put medal at the Commonwealth Games, while also completing a hat-trick of medals at the Asian Games later this year.

“The Commonwealth Games is the target, and winning a medal in shot put there would be special because India has never won one. The Asian Games is also a big goal. Hopefully, everything goes well,” he said.

Published on Apr 12, 2026

#Aiming #rediscover #Tajinderpal #Singh #Toor #targets #Indias #CWG #shot #put #medal">Aiming to rediscover his best, Tajinderpal Singh Toor targets India’s first CWG shot put medal Two-time Asian Games champion shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor produced a 21.03m effort to clinch the men’s title at the one-day Indian Athletics Series at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday.The 31-year-old national record holder, however, feels he is still some distance away from his personal best and the kind of throws he has been producing in training.“If I am fit, I can do anything. I still haven’t thrown to my full potential like I did in previous years. If I can reach that level again, I believe it could be the biggest throw for India,” he told reporters after the event.Toor added that his primary goal this season is to win India’s first-ever shot put medal at the Commonwealth Games, while also completing a hat-trick of medals at the Asian Games later this year.“The Commonwealth Games is the target, and winning a medal in shot put there would be special because India has never won one. The Asian Games is also a big goal. Hopefully, everything goes well,” he said.Published on Apr 12, 2026 #Aiming #rediscover #Tajinderpal #Singh #Toor #targets #Indias #CWG #shot #put #medal

Deadspin | Golden Knights secure playoff berth with OT win at Avalanche Apr 11, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Malinski (70) and Vegas Golden Knights center Colton Sissons (10) battle for the puck in the first period at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Jack Eichel scored 1:19 into overtime and the Vegas Golden Knights clinched a playoff spot with a 3-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche in Denver on Saturday night. Vegas (37-26-17, 91 points) jumped over Edmonton (90 points) into first place in the Pacific Division. Anaheim is third with 89 points heading into the final week of the regular season. Eichel grabbed the puck in the Colorado end, skated down the left boards and beat goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood with a shot from the circle. Mark Stone and Pavel Dorofeyev also scored and Carter Hart made 30 saves for the Knights. Nick Blankenburg and Devon Toews scored and Blackwood turned away 26 shots for the Central Division-leading Avalanche (52-16-11, 115 points). Colorado coach Jared Bednar left the bench early in the third period when he took a puck to the side of his head. The Golden Knights’ Keegan Kolesar carried the puck up the left boards and attempted to send it down the ice, but instead it went into the Avalanche bench and hit Bednar. Bednar bent over holding his head and was taken into the locker room by a trainer. He did not return. Colorado played the final 20 minutes without defenseman Josh Manson, who sustained an upper-body injury in the second period. The Avalanche took a 1-0 lead on a power play midway through the first period when Toews wristed a shot that trickled through Hart and in at 9:17. Vegas answered 12 seconds into its second power play of the night. Mitch Marner took a shot from the point that Tomas Hertl tipped as it went through the slot. Stone, parked in front of the net, knocked it out of the air and lifted a backhand by Blackwood at 13:47. The Knights went ahead early in the second period. Kaeden Korczak kept the puck in at the blueline and passed down low to Ivan Barbashev, who fed Dorofeyev in the left circle, and he shot it over Blackwood’s left shoulder at 2:09. Colorado evened it again when Blankenburg’s shot from the point hit the post, bounced off Hart and in at 10:56 of the second before a scoreless third period. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Golden #Knights #secure #playoff #berth #win #AvalancheApr 11, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Malinski (70) and Vegas Golden Knights center Colton Sissons (10) battle for the puck in the first period at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Jack Eichel scored 1:19 into overtime and the Vegas Golden Knights clinched a playoff spot with a 3-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche in Denver on Saturday night.

Vegas (37-26-17, 91 points) jumped over Edmonton (90 points) into first place in the Pacific Division. Anaheim is third with 89 points heading into the final week of the regular season.

Eichel grabbed the puck in the Colorado end, skated down the left boards and beat goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood with a shot from the circle.

Mark Stone and Pavel Dorofeyev also scored and Carter Hart made 30 saves for the Knights.

Nick Blankenburg and Devon Toews scored and Blackwood turned away 26 shots for the Central Division-leading Avalanche (52-16-11, 115 points).

Colorado coach Jared Bednar left the bench early in the third period when he took a puck to the side of his head. The Golden Knights’ Keegan Kolesar carried the puck up the left boards and attempted to send it down the ice, but instead it went into the Avalanche bench and hit Bednar.


Bednar bent over holding his head and was taken into the locker room by a trainer. He did not return.

Colorado played the final 20 minutes without defenseman Josh Manson, who sustained an upper-body injury in the second period.

The Avalanche took a 1-0 lead on a power play midway through the first period when Toews wristed a shot that trickled through Hart and in at 9:17.

Vegas answered 12 seconds into its second power play of the night. Mitch Marner took a shot from the point that Tomas Hertl tipped as it went through the slot. Stone, parked in front of the net, knocked it out of the air and lifted a backhand by Blackwood at 13:47.

The Knights went ahead early in the second period. Kaeden Korczak kept the puck in at the blueline and passed down low to Ivan Barbashev, who fed Dorofeyev in the left circle, and he shot it over Blackwood’s left shoulder at 2:09.

Colorado evened it again when Blankenburg’s shot from the point hit the post, bounced off Hart and in at 10:56 of the second before a scoreless third period.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Golden #Knights #secure #playoff #berth #win #Avalanche">Deadspin | Golden Knights secure playoff berth with OT win at Avalanche Apr 11, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Malinski (70) and Vegas Golden Knights center Colton Sissons (10) battle for the puck in the first period at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Jack Eichel scored 1:19 into overtime and the Vegas Golden Knights clinched a playoff spot with a 3-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche in Denver on Saturday night. Vegas (37-26-17, 91 points) jumped over Edmonton (90 points) into first place in the Pacific Division. Anaheim is third with 89 points heading into the final week of the regular season. Eichel grabbed the puck in the Colorado end, skated down the left boards and beat goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood with a shot from the circle. Mark Stone and Pavel Dorofeyev also scored and Carter Hart made 30 saves for the Knights. Nick Blankenburg and Devon Toews scored and Blackwood turned away 26 shots for the Central Division-leading Avalanche (52-16-11, 115 points). Colorado coach Jared Bednar left the bench early in the third period when he took a puck to the side of his head. The Golden Knights’ Keegan Kolesar carried the puck up the left boards and attempted to send it down the ice, but instead it went into the Avalanche bench and hit Bednar. Bednar bent over holding his head and was taken into the locker room by a trainer. He did not return. Colorado played the final 20 minutes without defenseman Josh Manson, who sustained an upper-body injury in the second period. The Avalanche took a 1-0 lead on a power play midway through the first period when Toews wristed a shot that trickled through Hart and in at 9:17. Vegas answered 12 seconds into its second power play of the night. Mitch Marner took a shot from the point that Tomas Hertl tipped as it went through the slot. Stone, parked in front of the net, knocked it out of the air and lifted a backhand by Blackwood at 13:47. The Knights went ahead early in the second period. Kaeden Korczak kept the puck in at the blueline and passed down low to Ivan Barbashev, who fed Dorofeyev in the left circle, and he shot it over Blackwood’s left shoulder at 2:09. Colorado evened it again when Blankenburg’s shot from the point hit the post, bounced off Hart and in at 10:56 of the second before a scoreless third period. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Golden #Knights #secure #playoff #berth #win #Avalanche

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