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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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Veteran stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Luka Modric were seen sporting a unique badge on the their kits during the opening round of FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.

The world governing body has introduced this intiative to honour the greats of the game for their contributions to the game with customised ‘Legacy’ badges on the sleeve of their shirts.

Both Messi and Ronaldo, eight and five-time Ballon d’Or winners, respectively, became the first players to play in a sixth World Cup this summer.

Messi also led Argentina to a World Cup title in 2022. His archrival Ronaldo, 41, is aiming to win the World Cup for the first time with Portugal.

Modric, who won the 2018 Ballon d’Or after guiding Croatia to the World Cup final in 2018 and a third place finish in 2022.

Published on Jun 18, 2026

#badge #Ronaldo #Messi #Modrics #shirts #FIFA #World #Cup">What is the badge on Ronaldo, Messi and Modric’s shirts at FIFA World Cup 2026? Veteran stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Luka Modric were seen sporting a unique badge on the their kits during the opening round of FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.The world governing body has introduced this intiative to honour the greats of the game for their contributions to the game with customised ‘Legacy’ badges on the sleeve of their shirts.Both Messi and Ronaldo, eight and five-time Ballon d’Or winners, respectively, became the first players to play in a sixth World Cup this summer.Messi also led Argentina to a World Cup title in 2022. His archrival Ronaldo, 41, is aiming to win the World Cup for the first time with Portugal.Modric, who won the 2018 Ballon d’Or after guiding Croatia to the World Cup final in 2018 and a third place finish in 2022.Published on Jun 18, 2026 #badge #Ronaldo #Messi #Modrics #shirts #FIFA #World #Cup

Deadspin | World Cup one-day attendance record broken Tuesday June 16, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.; Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their third goal to complete a hat-trick. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Tuesday’s four World Cup matches drew a combined 281,223 fans, breaking the 32-year-old single-day tournament record. The previous mark of 277,070, also for four matches, was set in the United States on June 28, 1994. Tuesday’s total came on an action-packed day featuring matches between France and Senegal (80,545 fans in East Rutherford, N.J.), Argentina and Algeria (69,045 in Kansas City, Mo.), Austria and Jordan (68,527 in Santa Clara, Calif.) and Iraq and Norway (63,106 in Foxborough, Mass.) The total attendance through six days sits at 1,309,652 (65,483 average), putting the tournament on pace to smash the 1994 cumulative attendance record of 3.5 million, according to FIFA. “Wow! 281,223 fans in FIFA World Cup stadiums today — the highest attended day in the history of the competition!” said Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, in a statement. “16 June 2026 will go down in FIFA World Cup history! I cannot thank our fans enough for bringing color, atmosphere and emotions to this tournament. The most inclusive FIFA World Cup 2026 continues to show just how much our game is loved and how Football Unites The World!” Tuesday’s highlights included a hat trick from Argentina legend Lionel Messi and two goals apiece from superstars Kylian Mbappe of France and Erling Haaland of Norway. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #World #Cup #oneday #attendance #record #broken #Tuesday June 16, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.; Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their third goal to complete a hat-trick. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Tuesday’s four World Cup matches drew a combined 281,223 fans, breaking the 32-year-old single-day tournament record.

The previous mark of 277,070, also for four matches, was set in the United States on June 28, 1994.

Tuesday’s total came on an action-packed day featuring matches between France and Senegal (80,545 fans in East Rutherford, N.J.), Argentina and Algeria (69,045 in Kansas City, Mo.), Austria and Jordan (68,527 in Santa Clara, Calif.) and Iraq and Norway (63,106 in Foxborough, Mass.)


The total attendance through six days sits at 1,309,652 (65,483 average), putting the tournament on pace to smash the 1994 cumulative attendance record of 3.5 million, according to FIFA.

“Wow! 281,223 fans in FIFA World Cup stadiums today — the highest attended day in the history of the competition!” said Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, in a statement.

“16 June 2026 will go down in FIFA World Cup history! I cannot thank our fans enough for bringing color, atmosphere and emotions to this tournament. The most inclusive FIFA World Cup 2026 continues to show just how much our game is loved and how Football Unites The World!”

Tuesday’s highlights included a hat trick from Argentina legend Lionel Messi and two goals apiece from superstars Kylian Mbappe of France and Erling Haaland of Norway.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #World #Cup #oneday #attendance #record #broken #Tuesday">Deadspin | World Cup one-day attendance record broken Tuesday June 16, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.; Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their third goal to complete a hat-trick. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Tuesday’s four World Cup matches drew a combined 281,223 fans, breaking the 32-year-old single-day tournament record. The previous mark of 277,070, also for four matches, was set in the United States on June 28, 1994. Tuesday’s total came on an action-packed day featuring matches between France and Senegal (80,545 fans in East Rutherford, N.J.), Argentina and Algeria (69,045 in Kansas City, Mo.), Austria and Jordan (68,527 in Santa Clara, Calif.) and Iraq and Norway (63,106 in Foxborough, Mass.) The total attendance through six days sits at 1,309,652 (65,483 average), putting the tournament on pace to smash the 1994 cumulative attendance record of 3.5 million, according to FIFA. “Wow! 281,223 fans in FIFA World Cup stadiums today — the highest attended day in the history of the competition!” said Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, in a statement. “16 June 2026 will go down in FIFA World Cup history! I cannot thank our fans enough for bringing color, atmosphere and emotions to this tournament. The most inclusive FIFA World Cup 2026 continues to show just how much our game is loved and how Football Unites The World!” Tuesday’s highlights included a hat trick from Argentina legend Lionel Messi and two goals apiece from superstars Kylian Mbappe of France and Erling Haaland of Norway. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #World #Cup #oneday #attendance #record #broken #Tuesday

The United States got off to a tremendous start at the 2026 World Cup, with a dominant performance against Paraguay in a 4-1 win on Friday. The team was dynamic, creative, and delivered perhaps its best performance yet at a World Cup.

However, there is concern about the status of star forward Christian Pulisic.

Pulisic was replaced at halftime against Paraguay, after he was kicked in the left calf, reaggravating a training injury he picked up in the days before the World Cup. Following the match, Pulisic downplayed the injury.

“I just got a bit of a kick first half, so I’m really hoping that it’s nothing,” Pulisic told Fox Sports. “Taking a little bit of precaution today, but I’m hoping I’ll be fine the next few days.

“Just the back of my leg, my calf area. But I’ve had similar things before, and I’m staying positive. I don’t think it’s anything at all.”

The next USMNT match is against Australia on Friday, but there are expectations around the team that Pulisic will be available.

Teammate Tyler Adams as well as manager Mauricio Pochettino were among those offering positive updates.

“Christian will be ready, everyone. Let’s relax,” Adams said before the team’s training session on Monday.

“I think that he picked up a knock a few days before the game, and I think he got kicked in the same spot again during the game. And when you go in at halftime, things obviously get tight within the 15, 20 minute break. But he’ll be fine.”

“Good,” was how Pochettino described the USMNT’s status.

On Tuesday, Tim Weah offered an update of his own. “He looks normal, he’s fit,” said the USMNT winger. “He works with the trainers on the side, but I think he’ll be ready for the game.”

Officially, Pulisic is listed as “day-to-day:”

According to an update from Jenny Taft during FOX Sports’ coverage of the France-Senegal match on Tuesday, Pulisic worked with trainers again off to the side on Tuesday, ahead of Friday’s match against Australia.

Update (Wednesday): Here is the latest updated on Pulisic, as he remains officially “day-to-day” according to the USSF:

#Christian #Pulisic #injury #updates #UMSNT #star #daytoday #Australia #World #Cup #match">Christian Pulisic injury updates: UMSNT star ‘day-to-day’ for Australia World Cup match The United States got off to a tremendous start at the 2026 World Cup, with a dominant performance against Paraguay in a 4-1 win on Friday. The team was dynamic, creative, and delivered perhaps its best performance yet at a World Cup.However, there is concern about the status of star forward Christian Pulisic.Pulisic was replaced at halftime against Paraguay, after he was kicked in the left calf, reaggravating a training injury he picked up in the days before the World Cup. Following the match, Pulisic downplayed the injury.“I just got a bit of a kick first half, so I’m really hoping that it’s nothing,” Pulisic told Fox Sports. “Taking a little bit of precaution today, but I’m hoping I’ll be fine the next few days.“Just the back of my leg, my calf area. But I’ve had similar things before, and I’m staying positive. I don’t think it’s anything at all.”The next USMNT match is against Australia on Friday, but there are expectations around the team that Pulisic will be available.Teammate Tyler Adams as well as manager Mauricio Pochettino were among those offering positive updates.“Christian will be ready, everyone. Let’s relax,” Adams said before the team’s training session on Monday.“I think that he picked up a knock a few days before the game, and I think he got kicked in the same spot again during the game. And when you go in at halftime, things obviously get tight within the 15, 20 minute break. But he’ll be fine.”“Good,” was how Pochettino described the USMNT’s status.On Tuesday, Tim Weah offered an update of his own. “He looks normal, he’s fit,” said the USMNT winger. “He works with the trainers on the side, but I think he’ll be ready for the game.”Officially, Pulisic is listed as “day-to-day:”According to an update from Jenny Taft during FOX Sports’ coverage of the France-Senegal match on Tuesday, Pulisic worked with trainers again off to the side on Tuesday, ahead of Friday’s match against Australia.Update (Wednesday): Here is the latest updated on Pulisic, as he remains officially “day-to-day” according to the USSF: #Christian #Pulisic #injury #updates #UMSNT #star #daytoday #Australia #World #Cup #match

told Fox Sports. “Taking a little bit of precaution today, but I’m hoping I’ll be fine the next few days.

“Just the back of my leg, my calf area. But I’ve had similar things before, and I’m staying positive. I don’t think it’s anything at all.”

The next USMNT match is against Australia on Friday, but there are expectations around the team that Pulisic will be available.

Teammate Tyler Adams as well as manager Mauricio Pochettino were among those offering positive updates.

“Christian will be ready, everyone. Let’s relax,” Adams said before the team’s training session on Monday.

“I think that he picked up a knock a few days before the game, and I think he got kicked in the same spot again during the game. And when you go in at halftime, things obviously get tight within the 15, 20 minute break. But he’ll be fine.”

“Good,” was how Pochettino described the USMNT’s status.

On Tuesday, Tim Weah offered an update of his own. “He looks normal, he’s fit,” said the USMNT winger. “He works with the trainers on the side, but I think he’ll be ready for the game.”

Officially, Pulisic is listed as “day-to-day:”

According to an update from Jenny Taft during FOX Sports’ coverage of the France-Senegal match on Tuesday, Pulisic worked with trainers again off to the side on Tuesday, ahead of Friday’s match against Australia.

Update (Wednesday): Here is the latest updated on Pulisic, as he remains officially “day-to-day” according to the USSF:

#Christian #Pulisic #injury #updates #UMSNT #star #daytoday #Australia #World #Cup #match">Christian Pulisic injury updates: UMSNT star ‘day-to-day’ for Australia World Cup match

The United States got off to a tremendous start at the 2026 World Cup, with a dominant performance against Paraguay in a 4-1 win on Friday. The team was dynamic, creative, and delivered perhaps its best performance yet at a World Cup.

However, there is concern about the status of star forward Christian Pulisic.

Pulisic was replaced at halftime against Paraguay, after he was kicked in the left calf, reaggravating a training injury he picked up in the days before the World Cup. Following the match, Pulisic downplayed the injury.

“I just got a bit of a kick first half, so I’m really hoping that it’s nothing,” Pulisic told Fox Sports. “Taking a little bit of precaution today, but I’m hoping I’ll be fine the next few days.

“Just the back of my leg, my calf area. But I’ve had similar things before, and I’m staying positive. I don’t think it’s anything at all.”

The next USMNT match is against Australia on Friday, but there are expectations around the team that Pulisic will be available.

Teammate Tyler Adams as well as manager Mauricio Pochettino were among those offering positive updates.

“Christian will be ready, everyone. Let’s relax,” Adams said before the team’s training session on Monday.

“I think that he picked up a knock a few days before the game, and I think he got kicked in the same spot again during the game. And when you go in at halftime, things obviously get tight within the 15, 20 minute break. But he’ll be fine.”

“Good,” was how Pochettino described the USMNT’s status.

On Tuesday, Tim Weah offered an update of his own. “He looks normal, he’s fit,” said the USMNT winger. “He works with the trainers on the side, but I think he’ll be ready for the game.”

Officially, Pulisic is listed as “day-to-day:”

According to an update from Jenny Taft during FOX Sports’ coverage of the France-Senegal match on Tuesday, Pulisic worked with trainers again off to the side on Tuesday, ahead of Friday’s match against Australia.

Update (Wednesday): Here is the latest updated on Pulisic, as he remains officially “day-to-day” according to the USSF:

#Christian #Pulisic #injury #updates #UMSNT #star #daytoday #Australia #World #Cup #match

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