The 2025 Pacific Automation 147 at Portland delivered drama in spades. Undoubtedly, the biggest storyline was rookie sensation Connor Zilisch, fresh off collarbone surgery, piloting his No. 88 Chevrolet to clinch his eighth win of the season. Yet, it was an on-track contact between Nick Sanchez, who executed a gritty third-place finish, and JR Motorsports’ Sammy Smith that took the cake. Notably, during an overtime restart, Sanchez was trying to make a pass in a four-wide battle entering Turn 1. However, he hit the right rear of Smith, spinning him onto traffic. As expected, after the checkered flag waved, Smith (P22) was seething and confronted Sanchez on pit road.

While their conversation was largely inaudible, what happened later clearly set the tone for the brewing tensions. In a conv

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