Connor Zilisch's promising NASCAR Cup Series debut at Circuit of the Americas ended prematurely following a collision with teammate Daniel Suarez during the final stage.

The 18-year-old driver, who started 14th, faced early adversity when he collided with Michael McDowell in Turn 1 while avoiding Chase Elliott's spin. Despite receiving a flat tire, Zilisch showcased impressive recovery, advancing from 31st position after the first stage to 14th before the final segment.

The race-ending incident occurred on lap 50 when Suarez hit a curb and spun in Turn 19, creating a smoke screen that left Zilisch without visibility. Unable to avoid his teammate, Zilisch's Red Bull Chevrolet made contact and hit the tire barriers.

"We had a really fast Red Bull Chevrolet," Zilisch said. "That second stage, driving from outside the top 30 to 14th, was a lot of fun. I was passing a lot of guys that I used to watch on TV growing up."

Suarez explained the incident: "I just hit the curb, hit the ground and then it spun me out. When you have low air pressure, that's very easy to do because the car is lower to the ground."

Zilisch finished 37th in his Cup Series debut, coming just one day after his victory in the Xfinity Series race. Trackhouse Racing has not announced any additional Cup Series appearances for the young driver.

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