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Dale Jr. Makes Big Statement On Connor Zilisch's NASCAR Future
Dale Jr. Makes Big Statement On Connor Zilisch's NASCAR Future

Yahoo

time2 days ago

  • Automotive
  • Yahoo

Dale Jr. Makes Big Statement On Connor Zilisch's NASCAR Future

Dale Jr. Makes Big Statement On Connor Zilisch's NASCAR Future originally appeared on The Spun. Few drivers in the sport of racing can say they've been on the kind of heater that 19-year-old Connor Zilisch has been enjoying over the past nine races in Xfinity. With four wins, three runner-ups and a pair of top-five finishes, Zilisch has been everything he was advertised to be when he first made his NASCAR debut; and Dale Earnhardt Jr. believes this is just the beginning for the Charlotte, NC native. "He has the potential to do incredible, incredible Hall of Fame worthy things," Dale Jr. said after Saturday's checkered flag. "Oh man. He's a hell of a driver." "You know, he just went up there and got it back," Earnhardt added. "We've got great race cars, a good race car underneath him to do what he needed to do. So, it takes a lot of us ... that's what wins races in places like this and at Dover. So, thank y'all for all the hard work ... it's important to our performance." With only a handful of races left on the racing calendar, Zilisch is just 21 points behind fellow JRM teammate Justin Allgaier for this season's points lead. Zilisch himself was fired up after the win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Telling reporters: "I see some bricks that look kissable, and I'm going to kiss them. This is awesome. One hundred wins for JRM. Congrats to Dale, Kelley, L.W. [Miller], everybody who's raced for JRM, everybody who works at JRM." With how Connor has performed in the Xfinity Series it may not be long before he makes the jump to the Cup where he'll race against the big dawgs. Next up is the HyVee Perks 250 in Iowa where he'll look to add another Jr. Makes Big Statement On Connor Zilisch's NASCAR Future first appeared on The Spun on Jul 27, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 27, 2025, where it first appeared.

5 NASCAR Drivers Having Breakout Seasons in 2025
5 NASCAR Drivers Having Breakout Seasons in 2025

Yahoo

time3 days ago

  • Automotive
  • Yahoo

5 NASCAR Drivers Having Breakout Seasons in 2025

The 2025 NASCAR schedule is flying by, with just a few races remaining before the playoffs begin. There have been 21 races in the Cup Series this year, 20 in the Xfinity Series, and 15 at the Truck level. That's more than enough to highlight some drivers who are making names for themselves this year. Let's examine the top NASCAR drivers enjoying breakout seasons, including one each from the Xfinity Series and the Truck Series. Connor Zilisch His performance at the Xfinity Series level should erase any doubts. Recognized as one of the best road course racers in all of NASCAR, he came through immediately at COTA. However, Zilisch then had a bit of an acclimation period on the ovals against veteran Xfinity drivers. In the last eight weeks, he's shown why he's replacing Daniel Suárez at Trackhouse Racing in the Cup Series next season. Connor Zilisch stats (): 674 points, 4 wins, 11 top-10s, 9 top-5s, 4 poles, 406 laps led, 7.421 average starting position, 10.684 average finishing position in 19 races Zilisch is the only driver at either level who put up a great fight against Shane van Gisbergen on road courses, beating him once (Sonoma) and finishing a close second (Chicago). Just as impressive, Zilisch has a 2.25 average finishing position in the last eight races, delivering three wins (Pocono, Sonoma, and Dover). It's obvious at this point that Zilisch is a superstar. Related: Chase Briscoe There are big shoes to fill when you are chosen to replace Martin Truex Jr. in the No. 19 car at Joe Gibbs Racing. While Chase Briscoe has been in the Cup Series for a long time, the 30-year-old faced massive expectations and pressure. He's risen to the moment and made the most of his opportunity with JGR. Coming off a second-place finish at Dover, just a week after placing second at Sonoma, Briscoe is now tied with teammate Christopher Bell for the second-most top-5 finishes (eight) on the team. He's done this, mind you, just a few weeks after a DNF at Atlanta (35th) that came after one of the hardest crashes into the wall in the Next Gen era. Briscoe is putting it together lately, evidenced by three top-5s in the last five weeks, and he'll be dangerous in the playoffs. Chase Briscoe stats (): 570 points, 1 win, 10 top 10s, 8 top 5s, 4 poles, 192 laps led, 11.238 average starting position, 14.048 average finishing position in 21 races Related: Shane van Gisbergen With his only competition being Riley Herbst, Shane van Gisbergen was the heavy favorite to win Rookie of the Year in the Cup Series. Trackhouse Racing made him a full-time driver, believing he could win a road course race and guarantee himself a spot in the playoffs. He won three. It's not just that SVG's expertise on road courses leads him to victories where his peers lack experience (Mexico City) or where he historically dominates (Chicago Street Race). It's also the fact that, despite being one of the least-experienced drivers at Sonoma, he went out there and essentially raced himself to victory. Plus, SVG is showing real progress on ovals now. He's going to be a perennial playoff driver for years to come. (2025): 374 points, 3 wins, 4 top 10s, 3 top 5s, 4 poles, 208 laps led, 22,238 average finishing position in 21 races this season Related: Ryan Preece If you aren't one of the top NASCAR drivers with JGR, Hendrick Motorsports, or Team Penske, it's easy to get overshadowed. That's especially true if one of your best finishes of the season is wiped out for having three shims instead of two. At 34 years old, Ryan Preece is having a career-best season. Preece finished second at Talladega, only to have that outstanding points day disqualified. It might end up costing him a playoff spot, but he's still delivered 10 top-20 finishes and five top 10s in the last 11 races. Preece's average finishing position (17.10) is well above his previous career-best from 2023 (20.83) and he has more top 10s this year (eight) than he did in the last two seasons combined. Through 21 races, he (17.1) is neck-and-neck with Ty Gibbs, Kyle Busch and Joey Logano in average finishing position (17.0) : 484 laps led, 8 top 10s, 1 top 5, 56 laps led, 18.286 average starting position, 17.095 average finishing position Kaden Honeycutt In his first season as a full-time driver in the Truck Series, Kaden Honeycutt has proven he belongs at this level. While the 22-year-old is still seeking his first win as a NASCAR driver, he's gotten close several times this season. Through 15 races, Honeycutt is fifth in the NASCAR standings, and he's tied with Tyler Ankrum for the fifth-most top-10s (nine). He's certainly found a home at the Truck Series level and might even earn himself another shot to appear in an Xfinity Series race or two next season. Related Headlines Report: Cleveland Guardians Open to Steven Kwan Trade, 4 Landing Spots Report: New York Yankees Have 1 Major Concern with Top Trade Target Denny Hamlin Warns NASCAR Drivers Who Attempt Specific Move on Him Denny Hamlin Responds to Kyle Busch's NASCAR Rule Change Proposal

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