Connor Zilisch has been praised by his rival after his impressive victory in the Sonoma Xfinity race. Shane van Gisbergen hailed rising NASCAR star Connor Zilisch for his composure and defensive driving after their thrilling battle in Saturday’s Xfinity Series race at Sonoma.

Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen.It’s a blossoming rivalry that will likely play out on the road courses for many years to come in the NASCAR Cup Series, but now in back-to-back weeks, the NASCAR Xfinity Series has seen the Trackhouse development duo sparring for victories.

Shane van Gisbergen gave it everything he had, but Connor Zilisch was able to hang onto the lead and take the win in a thrilling finish to Saturday's NASCAR Xfinity race at Sonoma Raceway.