The NASCAR Xfinity Series returns to Circuit of the Americas in Austin for Saturday's Focused Health 250 race. Connor Zilisch, the betting favorite, was dominant in Friday's practice and qualifying sessions,

After two weeks at high-speed Daytona and Atlanta, NASCAR goes to the tricky road course in Austin (COTA) for something completely different.

Zilisch, 18, is doing double duty as he will be qualifying again on Saturday for his Cup Series debut with Trackhouse Racing. Earning the pole for Saturday’s race is just the first checkbox of the weekend for the Mooresville native.

Connor Zilisch is on the pole for Saturday's Focused Health 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Zilisch led Friday's practice by a half-second over second place Jesse Love,

NASCAR Xfinity Series' Connor Zilisch gets the pole position after Friday night’s qualifying session for Saturday's Focused Health 250 at COTA.

Connor Zilisch will lead the field to the green flag in Saturday's Xfinity Series race at Circuit of the Americas after winning the pole Friday. Zilisch, driving for JR Motorsports, won the pole with a lap of 88.

Connor Zilisch cruised to winning the pole position for Saturday's NASCAR Xfinity Series Focused Health 250 at Circuit of the Americas ahead of his NASCAR Cup Series debut at the track on Sunday.