Connor Zilisch’s 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series campaign was one of the most dominant rookie seasons in recent years. The JR Motorsports driver captured 10 race victories and clinched the regular-season points title. Yet, despite his impressive performance, Zilisch fell short of the championship at Phoenix Raceway, where Jesse Love claimed the title.
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### Earnhardt Jr. Credits Jesse Love and RCR’s Strong Performance
Following the race, JR Motorsports co-owner and NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. reflected on the team’s season and shared his thoughts on how things played out.
Earnhardt Jr. acknowledged Jesse Love’s speed and Richard Childress Racing’s preparation.
> “It’s easier to take because he beat you, and it wasn’t something,” Earnhardt Jr. said after the race. “Yeah, for sure. I mean, a little bit easier to get, this is the traditional way than having some spooky happen at the end.”
He continued,
> “I saw both in practice, and was, goodness gracious, man, they came loaded, ready. Gotta give them credit, man. They dialed him in good on the first run. They dialed him in and got him better, and he was the best when it counted.”
Despite the disappointment, Earnhardt Jr. expressed pride in Connor Zilisch and the team’s effort.
> “That’s tough to watch, but our guys worked really hard to do what they did,” he said. “I’m proud of them. I’m proud of all of our teams for working as hard as they did all year.”
He also spoke about the nature of the sport.
> “I’ve been in this a long time, and you go on the racetrack, you’re gonna be disappointed more often than you’ll be happy,” he said. “You gotta know what you’re signing up for coming here. This is the possibility of the results. So you certainly have to work harder and try to be in a better position.”
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### A Message of Encouragement for Connor Zilisch
Earnhardt Jr. addressed Connor Zilisch’s emotions following the race, acknowledging that the young driver was understandably heartbroken.
> “Well, I don’t know if you can tell me much that will make it feel better tonight,” he said. “He is heartbroken, but there’ll be worse days at the racetrack for him. This ain’t a defining moment. There’ll be days and hard times in the future that’ll tower over moments like this.”
He reminded us that racing often teaches humility.
> “Unfortunately, because it’s a sport, man humbles you, and there are some tough moments in front of him,” Earnhardt Jr. added. “That’s all I can tell him, hey, this ain’t the worst day. It won’t be the worst. Don’t feel like that right now, but try to be proud.”
Earnhardt Jr. remains confident about Connor Zilisch’s career.
> “He may have a chance to run for a championship again down the road,” he said. “I wouldn’t want him to think that this was his only shot because you never know what might come up. But he’s a great kid, had a great year, and I was thankful to be part of it. We didn’t win the trophy, but I had more fun than ever as an owner, being involved hands-on with everything. So it’s a great year, and we’re looking forward to next year, ready to go to Daytona tomorrow.”
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### Accepting the Outcome
Earnhardt Jr. reflected on NASCAR’s championship format, noting how it can lead to surprising results.
> “It’s hard for some people to reconcile the fact that Connor went well,” he said. “There’ve been years where guys have dominated and didn’t win the championship, even with the old format, one we all love, even that had its flaws. So it’s just the format. There are just ones we all prefer more than others.”
He added that he was prepared to accept any outcome before the race.
> “I was ready after my podcast on Tuesday when Jesse was there. I was ready to accept the outcome no matter what it was,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “Love this sport, love the Xfinity Series, and I love what we’ve been able to do here. I wanted to be a champion tonight, but we just were not. I have pride in Jesse Love and RCR and celebrate that. I’m proud and happy for Danny Lawrence and all those people over there at RCR; they’re like family to me.”
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Connor Zilisch’s rookie season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series was a remarkable showcase of talent and determination. While the championship slipped away, the future looks bright for this young driver and the JR Motorsports team. Fans and insiders alike can look forward to seeing what’s next for Zilisch as he continues to build on a promising career.
https://heavy.com/sports/nascar/dale-earnhardt-jr-connor-zilischs-2025-xfinity-championship-loss/