Trucks: Zilisch Paces the Field: Watkins Glen Mid-Race Report

What’s Happening?

We’re just past halfway in the Bully Hill Vineyards 176 at The Glen and we have just one stage left. Today, it has been the Chevrolet show, with Daniel Hemric and Connor Zilisch winning the first two stages. But the Fords seemed pretty sporty there towards the end of Stage 2. Will they be able to run down Zilisch or will the road course expert steal another at the Glen?

Here’s what you need to keep in mind as we gear up for the final stage in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Watkins Glenn.

Mid-Race Report:

• With many of the heavy-hitters pitting to flip the stage, Daniel Hemric was able to capitalize and win the opening stage. It hasn’t been quite the return to the truck series that Daniel Hemric, once a regular contender for the truck title and Corey Heim’s starkest competitor, was looking for. He’s shown speed at times, though has struggled throughout most of the season. This stage win was a reasonable step in the right direction for that No. 91 Silverado.
• Earning stage points in Stage 1 were: Daniel Hemric (10), Rio Ruggiero (9), Layne Riggs (8), Tyler Ankrum (6), Andres Perez (4), Tanner Gray (3), Brent Crews (1).
• Connor Zilisch led a lion share of the second stage, though he wasn’t able to drive away. Hot on his heels was Kaden Honeycutt in the No. 11 truck for Tricon. Unlike the first stage, Zilisch stayed out to score the stage victory. But, since he collects points in the NASCAR Cup Series, he is ineligible for stage points in the trucks.
• Because Connor Zilisch collects points in the NASCAR Cup Series, he is ineligible for stage points. Other top 10 drivers who are ineligible for stage points are Carson Hocevar and Shane van Gisbergen. The following drivers earned points in Stage 2: Chandler Smith (8), Layne Riggs (7), Andres Perez (6), Grant Enfinger (4), Tyler Ankrum (3), Ty Reif (2), and Connor Mosack (1).
• There were no major cautions of note in the first half of this race.

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