NASCAR is performing a deeper inspection process after the Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International last weekend. Connor Zilisch’s No. 88 car for Trackhouse Racing has been taken to the NASCAR R&D Center for further inspection after Watkins Glen, the sport announced. Zilisch finished in 20th place at Watkins Glen; however, it was his best run of the 2026 NASCAR season.
The Trackhouse Racing driver has struggled to start the 2026 Cup Series season and found top-5 pace at Watkins Glen. NASCAR taking Zilisch’s No. 88 car to the R&D Center doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong; however, it does heighten the risk of a potential penalty.
In the NextGen car era, drivers and teams have received significant penalties when NASCAR takes a car to the R&D Center. There have been several occasions when they have lost over 100 points due to an infraction. Most cars are cleared after going to the R&D Center, but exceptions exist.
Zilisch will likely be OK; however, NASCAR has blasted teams in the past for any wrongdoing.
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This article originally appeared on Motorsports Wire: NASCAR to further inspect Connor Zilisch’s car after Watkins Glen
