{"id":189310,"date":"2025-08-31T12:12:09","date_gmt":"2025-08-31T12:12:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/189310\/"},"modified":"2025-08-31T12:12:09","modified_gmt":"2025-08-31T12:12:09","slug":"nascar-fans-accuse-connor-zilisch-of-employing-fernando-alonsos-controversial-corner-cutting-tactic-in-portland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/189310\/","title":{"rendered":"NASCAR Fans Accuse Connor Zilisch of Employing Fernando Alonso\u2019s Controversial Corner-Cutting Tactic in Portland"},"content":{"rendered":"

At just 19 years old, Connor Zilisch is forcing NASCAR<\/a> fans to find new superlatives to describe him. In his rookie season in the Xfinity Series, the JR Motorsports driver has established himself as a prime contender for the championship, giving strong competition to senior drivers such as Justin Allgaier.<\/p>\n

Not only is the teenage sensation giving them a run for their money, but he is also taking lessons from their past shenanigans, some of which were on display during the Pacific Office Automation 147 in Portland.<\/p>\n

Did Connor Zilisch Channel a Formula 1 Legend?<\/p>\n

Since April, Zilisch has been one of the best and most consistent drivers across all NASCAR national series, given that he has not finished a race outside the Top 5 during this stretch. He has won seven races since then, and the last three have come in succession. However, none of these achievements have made him a hot topic of debate following the Portland race.<\/p>\n

Instead, that credit goes to a corner-cutting incident<\/a> on Turns 1 and 2, where Zilisch avoided chaos to keep his position and build on his race lead.<\/p>\n

In 2021, Formula 1\u2019s Fernando Alonso, driving for Alpine in Sochi, Russia, deployed a similar move on the opening lap of the race. After starting sixth and dropping to seventh by Turn 2, he took no chances after a late-braking maneuver and took a shorter route to his left.<\/p>\n

When he rejoined the track, Alonso was in third place, but due to the rules, he had to give up any positions he had gained illegally.<\/p>\n

Armed with sharp memories, several motorsports fans quickly pointed out the similarities between the two moves on social media. Subsequently, more fans joined the conversation, sharing their take on Zilisch\u2019s mindful approach to racing in Portland.<\/p>\n

Cup Series driver Chase Briscoe was among the people who reacted to the original post by Xfinity Racing on X, claiming, \u201cI\u2019d do that every lap if they don\u2019t call it, it\u2019s way faster than the actual corner.\u201d<\/p>\n

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I\u2019d do that every lap if they don\u2019t call it, it\u2019s way faster than the actual corner. \ud83d\ude02<\/p>\n

\u2014 Chase Briscoe (@chasebriscoe) August 31, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Replying to the same post, one user recalled the Alonso move from 2021 and wrote, \u201cWe call this the Fernando at Sochi. It\u2019s faster and it\u2019s legal by rule.\u201d<\/p>\n

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We call this the \u201cFernando at Sochi\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s faster and it\u2019s legal by rule
\u00af_(\u30c4)_\/\u00af
\u2014 b (@bshawesome) August 31, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Meanwhile, another user called it an outstanding move on Zilisch\u2019s part, writing, \u201cThat\u2019s good spotting right there. They were absolutely wrecking. He was going to be punted the F out of the lead. That\u2019s outstanding anticipation and instinct. 100\/10 right there.\u201d<\/p>\n

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That\u2019s good spotting right there. They were absolutely wrecking. He was going to be punted the F out of the lead. That\u2019s outstanding anticipation and instinct. 100\/10 right there<\/p>\n

\u2014 B&G Racing Collectibles (@bgracingcars) August 31, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

While some enjoyed the showcase, Zilisch\u2019s move divided NASCAR fans, with some claiming it was an illegal maneuver by the teenager.<\/p>\n

Following that line of thought, one user wrote, \u201cYup NASCAR needs to call that.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Yup nascar needs to call that<\/p>\n

\u2014 David (@TherealDavid777) August 31, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Another user against the move called Zilisch out for not even attempting to make the turn cleanly. They wrote<\/a>, \u201cHe didn\u2019t even attempt to make it through turn 1 properly. This is not OK in my books.\u201d<\/p>\n

While it was a move that put fans on opposing ends, Zilisch was still able to fight his way to a famous win. After tag-teaming with Parker Kligerman for the win last weekend, Zilisch made sure to continue his winning ways as he returned to a full-time driving role<\/a> after his incident at Watkins Glen.<\/p>\n