Connor Zilisch had just crossed the finish line at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), claiming a dramatic victory in the Focused Health 250. The post Not Ready to Be “NASCAR’s Villain” Himself, 18 YO Connor Zilisch Passes 7 Worded Sly Dig at Carson Hocevar appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Last week in Atlanta, Carson Hocevar put a spotlight and maybe a target on himself with the way he raced on the track. Hocevar had the ire of Kyle Busch, Ryan Blaney, Ross Chastain, and possibly even Hendrick Motorsports.

Hocevar even had some fun with all the drama. Shortly after the race in Atlanta, when several drivers complained about him over the radio or confronted him in pit lane, Hocevar shot back: “We’re here to win races, not be a boy band and love each other and play in the playground together.”

Shane van Gisbergen was fastest in NASCAR Cup Series practice Saturday at Circuit of The Americas, topping the board at 87.408mph (98.846s). William Byron was second fastest at 86.891mph and

Shane van Gisbergen (circled) spins after being hit by Tyler Reddick. Image: Fox Sports Returning to the scene of his

The 22-year-old NASCAR driver will be starting up front in another Cup Series race after earning a Top Five finish.

The NASCAR Cup Series is headed to the storied Austin track, Circuit of the Americas, this week. The road course has plenty of drama on its own, but changes to the track this year, some bubbling beef in the garage and an 18-year-old phenom’s debut make this Sunday’s race a must-see event.

1. Joey Logano, 126. 2. Austin Cindric, 106. 3. Josh Berry, 56. 4. Kyle Busch, 55. 5. Ross Chastain, 25.

Carson Hocevar produced his career-best NASCAR Cup finish Sunday in Atlanta Motor Speedway’s Ambetter Health 400, but while the 22-year-old may have been happy, there were some drivers who were not happy with him.

3. Tyler Reddick, 111. 4. Christopher Bell, 95. 8. Michael McDowell, 85. 10. Ricky Stenhouse Jr, 80. 11. Austin Cindric, 80.

Carson Hocevar remains confident ... s race at +400 odds according to FanDuel Sportsbook, followed by Shane Van Gisbergen (+450), Kyle Larson (+750), Chase Elliott (+850), Ross Chastain (+1400 ...