NBA Expands Gambling Investigation, Requests Cell Phones From Multiple Teams

The NBA has requested documents, phones, and other electronic records from multiple franchises, including the Los Angeles Lakers, as part of its expanding investigation into illegal sports betting, according to The Athletic. This move comes amid growing scrutiny from Congress following federal charges filed last month against several individuals connected to NBA teams.

The investigation gained momentum after former NBA player and longtime LeBron James associate Damon Jones was arrested and accused of selling private injury information to gamblers involving two unnamed Lakers stars. Prosecutors allege that Jones used inside access—earned through his close relationship with James—to tip bettors on at least two occasions. Jones has pleaded not guilty to these charges.

As part of the ongoing probe, investigators from the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, which was hired by the NBA, have contacted multiple teams requesting access to devices and records. At least 10 Lakers employees are expected to be approached. Assistant trainer Mike Mancias and executive administrator Randy Mims, both longtime members of James’ inner circle, have already cooperated by voluntarily turning over their phones.

NBA spokesperson Mike Bass emphasized the league’s commitment to uncovering the full scope of the alleged scheme. “The NBA engaged an independent law firm to investigate the allegations in the indictment once it was made public,” the league stated. “Everyone has been fully cooperative.”

It is important to note that LeBron James, Mike Mancias, and Randy Mims have not been accused of any wrongdoing nor have they been named in any federal filings. However, their close proximity to Damon Jones has placed the Lakers at the center of the inquiry.

This scandal follows several recent gambling-related cases involving NBA personnel. Miami’s Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups were arrested last month on federal charges linked to illegal betting activities. Rozier was accused of planning to manipulate his performance to influence betting outcomes in a 2023 game, while Billups was charged with defrauding players through illegal poker games—not for leaking injury information.

Additionally, the government has cited illegal bets connected to the Orlando Magic and Portland Trail Blazers. Among these allegations, a Magic player allegedly informed a gambler that the team planned to “tank” an April 2023 matchup. That unnamed player is no longer with the franchise.

The NBA has already banned former Toronto Raptors two-way player Jontay Porter for betting violations. In response to the widening scandal, the league is expected to implement stricter rules surrounding injury reporting to help prevent future misconduct.
https://www.complex.com/sports/a/markelibert/nba-requests-cell-phones-teams-amid-expanding-gambling-investigation

TON Price Prediction: Target $2.70 by December 2025 Despite Current Consolidation

Toncoin (TON) is trading at a critical juncture near its 52-week low of $1.82, presenting both opportunities and risks for traders. Currently priced at $1.85, our TON price prediction analysis uncovers a complex technical setup that could dictate the cryptocurrency’s direction through the end of the year.

### TON Price Prediction Summary

In the short term, TON’s key target is the $2.09 level, which aligns with the 20-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) and the middle Bollinger Band. A decisive break above $2.09 would likely trigger upward momentum toward the immediate resistance at $2.36, and potentially reach the $2.70 price target.

This bullish forecast is supported by stochastic indicators, with the %K line sitting at 9.65, signaling oversold conditions that typically precede a reversal. Additionally, TON is currently trading at a 55% discount from its 52-week high of $4.11, providing a substantial upside runway once positive momentum takes hold.

### Bearish Risk for Toncoin

On the downside, the bearish scenario becomes relevant if TON breaks below the critical support level at $1.79. Such a breakdown would target a much stronger support at $0.55, representing a steep 70% decline from current levels. However, given TON’s proximity to the 52-week low of $1.82, the downside appears limited before buyers are likely to re-enter.

Key risk factors include broader weakness in the cryptocurrency market and the possibility of TON failing to hold above the lower Bollinger Band. A breach here could accelerate selling pressure toward the $0.55 support zone.

### Should You Buy TON Now?

**Entry Strategy**

Based on our technical analysis, the current risk-reward setup favors patient accumulation near established support levels. Your decision to buy or sell TON should depend on your risk tolerance and investment timeframe.

– **Conservative Entry:** Wait for TON to break above $2.00, which corresponds to the 12-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA), and place a stop-loss at $1.75. This approach targets the $2.50 to $2.70 range, offering a favorable 3:1 risk-reward ratio.

– **Aggressive Entry:** Buying at the current levels around $1.85 may be attractive, with a tight stop-loss set at $1.78 (just below immediate support). The target remains the same $2.50 to $2.70 zone.

Given the approximately 15% potential downside risk to the strong support at $0.55, it is advisable to allocate only a modest portion of your portfolio until TON clearly breaks above the $2.09 resistance level.

### TON Price Prediction Conclusion

Our TON price prediction maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook, with medium confidence in reaching the $2.70 target by December 2025.

The technical setup supports a potential 46% rally once TON clears the $2.09 resistance, in line with analyst consensus targeting the $2.50-$2.70 range.

Key indicators to watch include:
– RSI breaking above 40, confirming positive momentum
– MACD histogram turning positive
– Price action sustaining above the $2.09 middle Bollinger Band

If TON fails to hold the $1.79 support, this bullish scenario would be invalidated, prompting a reassessment of downside targets.

The expected timeline for initial targets is 4-6 weeks, with the full potential of $2.70 likely achievable by the end of 2025. This forecast provides a clear framework for position management and profit-taking strategies.

*Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency investments carry significant risk. Always perform your own research and consider your risk tolerance before trading.*
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/ton-price-prediction-target-2-70-by-december-2025-despite-current-consolidation/

Top Best Crypto to Ape Into Now: $APEING & 7 Coins

**Crypto Presales: Explore 8 Coins with 100x Potential, Including PEING – The Best Crypto to Watch**

The crypto market never stops moving, and for degens who move fast, opportunities are everywhere. Among the promising new projects is **PEING**, a high-potential cryptocurrency designed for bold early movers who trust instinct over hesitation.

### Why PEING Stands Out

PEING is quickly gaining recognition as one of the best emerging crypto projects. It rewards participants who jump in early and hold strong while others overthink. With its low entry price, community-driven energy, and viral momentum, PEING is catching eyes across social channels and making waves among crypto enthusiasts worldwide.

From PEING to Avalanche, TRON, Cardano, XRP, Litecoin, Stellar, and Chainlink, these coins offer unique features, community engagement, and substantial growth potential. Understanding their networks, tokenomics, and market behavior helps degens spot opportunities and maximize gains.

### Front Row to the Madness: PEING Is Calling All Bold Degens

Apeing (PEING) is a brand-new, fun, and community-driven cryptocurrency created for people who jump in early and hold strong. Early participants can secure tokens at a low price while riding the hype and social buzz.

The vibrant PEING community is rapidly growing, rewarding those who act fast with exclusive updates, insights, and chances to secure tokens before the hype peaks. Joining the whitelist puts you in the front row, giving you an edge over those who wait and possibly miss out.

Being part of PEING from the start offers a chance to maximize potential gains and ride momentum as the project continues its upward trajectory.

### How to Join the PEING Whitelist

Securing your spot is simple:

1. Visit the official PEING website.
2. Enter your email in the whitelist section.

Whitelisted participants receive priority access, early updates, and front-row positioning for potential token allocations at the lowest entry price. Early joiners often enjoy bigger ROI, making this an essential step for anyone looking to maximize gains.

### Spotlight on 7 Other High-Potential Cryptos

**Avalanche (AVAX) – Fast, Furious, and Taking Crypto by Storm**
– Price: $15.98 | Market Cap: $6.85B | 24h Volume: $605.36M
Avalanche is a high-speed, scalable blockchain capable of processing thousands of transactions per second with minimal fees. Its consensus protocol guarantees fast finality, making it ideal for DeFi, NFTs, and institutional applications. Developers praise its flexibility and robust ecosystem, while traders benefit from its performance and liquidity.

**TRON (TRX) – Fueling Decentralized Fun and Profits**
– Price: $0.2920 | Market Cap: $27.64B | 24h Volume: $982.92M
TRON is a decentralized platform focused on content sharing and entertainment. Its network offers rapid smart contract execution with extremely low fees, attracting both developers and users. Community-driven governance and active social engagement contribute to its strong momentum. TRON is seen as a versatile platform spanning entertainment and decentralized finance.

**Cardano (ADA) – Science-Backed Blockchain Making Waves**
– Price: $0.5283 | Market Cap: $18.95B | 24h Volume: $1.1B
Cardano combines rigorous peer-reviewed development with a layered architecture separating transaction processing from smart contracts, ensuring high security and scalability. Staking ADA offers 4-6% annual returns, appealing for passive income supporters. Analysts highlight Cardano’s methodical growth and vibrant developer community.

**XRP – Cross-Border Payments at Lightning Speed**
– Price: $2.31 | Market Cap: $139.22B | 24h Volume: $7.81B
XRP specializes in instant, low-cost cross-border transactions for banks and payment providers. Settling transactions within 3-5 seconds, XRP is efficient for global remittances. Its adoption among financial institutions, combined with strong liquidity and real-world utility, makes it a reliable choice for traders and developers.

**Litecoin (LTC) – Old but Gold**
– Price: $96.28 | Market Cap: $7.36B | 24h Volume: $972.07M
Often referred to as the silver to Bitcoin’s gold, Litecoin offers faster block generation and lower transaction fees. Its high liquidity and long-standing community make it dependable for both traders and new users. Litecoin’s market trends often reflect Bitcoin’s, providing insight into broader crypto movements.

**Stellar (XLM) – Fast, Cheap, and Ready to Connect the World**
– Price: $0.2681 | Market Cap: $8.61B | 24h Volume: $390.6M
Stellar focuses on cross-border payments and financial inclusion, enabling low-cost, rapid transactions between individuals and institutions. Its ecosystem supports micropayments, remittances, and business applications. Partnerships and real-world adoption bolster Stellar’s credibility and utility.

**Chainlink (LINK) – Powering the Future of DeFi**
– Price: $14.50 | Market Cap: $10.1B | 24h Volume: $1.03B
Chainlink provides decentralized oracle services that connect smart contracts with real-world data, vital for DeFi, insurance, and supply chain applications. Its multi-chain adoption underscores its importance in blockchain infrastructure. Chainlink’s ongoing partnerships and reliable performance make it a promising project for real-world blockchain innovation.

### Final Thoughts: Ape Early, HODL Hard

The crypto landscape rewards decisive action. PEING stands out as a high-potential project perfect for instinct-driven investing, while Avalanche, TRON, Cardano, XRP, Litecoin, Stellar, and Chainlink bring speed, scalability, and real-world utility.

Early participation, active community engagement, and understanding key metrics are essential to maximize potential returns. In this fast-moving market, hesitation is costly, and bold action defines winners.

For degens, the message is clear: **ape early, HODL hard, and let momentum work in your favor**.

### For More Information

– **Website:** [Visit the Official Apeing Website](#)
– **Telegram:** Join the Apeing Telegram Channel
– **Twitter:** [Follow Apeing on Twitter](#)

### Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Crypto

**What makes PEING one of the best crypto projects right now?**
PEING rewards bold early action and HODLers, combining community-driven momentum with strong social engagement. Early apes often maximize returns.

**How can I join the PEING whitelist and why is it beneficial?**
Joining the whitelist secures potential gains at the lowest entry price and provides priority updates and token allocation opportunities.

**What are the key factors for success in crypto investments?**
Speed, adoption, community momentum, staking yields, and real-world utility are critical. Understanding metrics and acting early while others hesitate often leads to higher rewards.

*This publication is sponsored. Coindoo does not endorse or assume responsibility for the content, accuracy, quality, advertising, products, or any other materials on this page. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research before engaging in any cryptocurrency-related activity. Coindoo will not be liable for any damages or losses resulting from the use of or reliance on any content, goods, or services mentioned. Always do your own research.*

**About the Author**

Alexander Zdravkov is a crypto analyst with over three years of experience in the digital currency space. Known for his logical approach and ability to identify new trends, Alexander provides in-depth analysis and daily reports that make him a valuable member of the Coindoo team.

**Related Stories**
[Links or summaries of related stories can be added here]
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/crypto/top-best-crypto-to-ape-into-now-apeing-7-coins/

PEPE Price Prediction: Targeting $0.000005-$0.0000065 Range Through December 2025

**PEPE Price Prediction Summary**

– **Short-term target (1 week):** $0.000005 (–17% from current levels)
– **Medium-term forecast (1 month):** $0.000005 – $0.0000065 trading range
– **Key bullish level to break:** $0.0000067
– **Critical bearish support:** $0.0000043

### Recent PEPE Price Predictions from Analysts

Multiple cryptocurrency analysts have aligned on a bearish PEPE price outlook for the remainder of November 2025. CoinCodex leads this consensus, targeting $0.000006 in the short term. Their prediction is supported by 85% of technical indicators flashing bearish signals and the Fear & Greed Index sitting low at 26, indicating widespread market fear.

AMB Crypto’s forecast echoes this sentiment, projecting PEPE to trade within a corridor between $0.0000056 and $0.0000065, with $0.000006 as the midpoint target. The most pessimistic view comes from Changelly, expecting PEPE to decline to $0.00000528, while The Bit Journal provides the widest range between $0.0000043 and $0.0000062.

Overall, analyst consensus reveals a clear bearish bias across major forecasting platforms. However, some sources hint at potential recovery depending on shifts in broader market sentiment. This convergence suggests institutional money managers may be positioning defensively around PEPE holdings.

### PEPE Technical Analysis: Setting Up for Consolidation

The current technical picture for PEPE shows a cryptocurrency caught between opposing forces. With an RSI of 32.89, PEPE sits in neutral territory but leans toward oversold conditions, potentially setting up a short-term relief bounce.

Meanwhile, the MACD histogram remains negative at –0.0000, confirming lingering bearish momentum controlling price action. PEPE trades near the lower Bollinger Band at 0.11, historically acting as temporary price support.

The Stochastic oscillator shows %K at 16.67 and %D at 12.09 — deeply oversold levels that suggest a short-term bounce could occur within the next few trading sessions.

Looking at volume, Binance reports $38.3 million in 24-hour trading activity. This moderate volume is below levels typically seen during strong directional moves, indicating price action currently lacks conviction for a sustained breakout, either up or down.

### PEPE Price Targets: Bull and Bear Scenarios

**Bullish Case for PEPE**
An optimistic price scenario targets a recovery toward the $0.0000065 – $0.0000067 range if key conditions are met:

– PEPE must reclaim the middle Bollinger Band, signaling a shift away from lower-band trading.
– RSI needs to rise above 50 to indicate momentum is turning bullish.
– Trading volume should exceed $50 million daily on Binance, confirming institutional buying interest.

Key resistance levels to watch are $0.0000058 (initial resistance) and $0.0000065 (strong resistance). A decisive break above $0.0000067 would invalidate the current bearish structure and likely pave the way for the next resistance zone.

**Bearish Risk for PEPE**
On the downside, immediate risk targets $0.000005, aligning with CoinCodex’s projection. Breaking below this level could trigger algorithmic selling and drive PEPE down toward $0.0000043—the most bearish scenario from The Bit Journal.

Warning signs include a daily RSI falling below 30, which would confirm worsening oversold conditions, and the MACD histogram deepening further into negative territory.

The critical support at $0.0000043 represents a 28% decline from current levels and could coincide with overall weakness in the meme coin sector.

### Should You Buy PEPE Now?

**Entry Strategy**
Given current market conditions, a cautious approach is advised. The technical setup favors dollar-cost averaging rather than aggressive position building.

Ideal entry points may occur on any bounce toward the $0.0000058 – $0.000006 range. Traders can consider establishing positions here with tight stop-losses set just below $0.000005.

Risk management is essential in this volatile environment. Position sizing should not exceed 2-3% of your total portfolio, and stop-losses can be placed at $0.0000048 to limit downside exposure.

For existing holders, it may be prudent to take partial profits above $0.0000062 while maintaining core positions for potential longer-term gains.

The current outlook suggests PEPE is more likely to trade sideways within the $0.000005 – $0.0000065 range through December 2025, making range-bound trading strategies more appropriate than directional bets.

### PEPE Price Prediction Conclusion

The comprehensive analysis points toward a consolidation phase for PEPE through the remainder of 2025, with a slight bearish bias.

The target trading range of $0.000005 – $0.0000065 carries medium confidence based on both technical indicators and analyst consensus. The RSI hovering near 32.89 provides some downside protection, while negative MACD momentum discourages aggressive bullish positions.

Key indicators to monitor for a trend change include:

– Daily RSI moving above 40 (bullish signal) or dropping below 25 (bearish signal)
– MACD histogram turning positive
– Sustained daily volume exceeding $45 million on Binance

This technical setup is expected to resolve within 2–3 weeks, with December 2025 likely providing clearer directional signals to guide positioning for 2026.

Traders should prepare for continued volatility and prioritize risk management over directional speculation until stronger technical indications emerge for a sustained trend.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/pepe-price-prediction-targeting-0-000005-0-0000065-range-through-december-2025/

Hammond scores 27 as Santa Clara beats Nevada 98-83

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Christian Hammond scored a game-high 27 points to lead Santa Clara to a 98-83 victory over Nevada on Saturday.

Hammond was highly efficient, shooting 11 for 17 from the field, including 2 for 5 from three-point range, and converting 3 of 4 free throws. His strong performance helped the Broncos improve to 4-0 on the season.

Bukky Oboye contributed significantly as well, scoring 22 points on 8 of 10 shooting along with a perfect 4 of 4 from the free-throw line. Oboye also made a defensive impact by blocking seven shots.

Brenton Knapper added 13 points for Santa Clara, shooting 5 for 11 overall and 2 for 7 from beyond the arc.

For the Nevada Wolf Pack, now 3-1, Corey Camper Jr. led the team with 21 points. Tayshawn Comer chipped in 19 points, while Chuck Bailey III recorded 11 points, six rebounds, and three steals.

Hammond’s hot start was a key factor as he poured in 20 points during the first half, helping Santa Clara build a 48-34 lead at halftime.

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
https://mymotherlode.com/sports/college-sports-game-stories/10191822/hammond-scores-27-as-santa-clara-beats-nevada-98-83.html

Luke Hughes fills brother Jack’s void as Devils edge Capitals in 3-2 shootout

**Devils Edge Capitals 3-2 in Shootout to Extend Winning Streak**

**WASHINGTON (AP)** — Luke Hughes delivered a goal and an assist, while Simon Nemec scored the decisive shootout winner as the New Jersey Devils defeated the Washington Capitals 3-2 on Saturday night.

Arseny Gritsyuk also contributed a goal for the Devils, who have triumphed in four of their last five games in overtime or shootouts. With this victory, New Jersey remains firmly atop the Metropolitan Division standings.

For the Capitals, Alex Ovechkin recorded his 902nd career goal and added an assist. Connor McMichael also posted a goal and an assist. However, Washington extended their struggles, losing eight of their last 10 games and remaining at the bottom of the division.

With Jack Hughes sidelined for eight weeks following finger surgery, younger brother Luke Hughes stepped up to fill the void on both ends of the ice. Early in the first period, as Washington took three consecutive penalties, Luke Hughes found Gritsyuk wide open for a quick one-timer, putting New Jersey on the board 1-0 with a power-play goal.

Later in the opening frame, Hughes scored himself, firing a wrist shot from the slot past Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson to give the Devils a 2-0 lead heading into the second period.

Washington increased the pressure in the second and finally broke through in the third period. McMichael tapped in a back-door feed from Ovechkin to cut the Devils’ lead in half. Seven minutes later, Ovechkin capitalized on a pass from McMichael, wiring a shot past Devils’ goalie Jake Allen to tie the game at 2-2 and send it into overtime.

Both goaltenders—Allen and Thompson—put on a goaltending clinic during the scoreless overtime period, which led to a shootout to decide the winner. Jesper Bratt and Simon Nemec scored for New Jersey in the shootout, sealing the victory.

Allen made 30 saves, while Thompson stopped 29 shots through regulation and overtime.

**Up Next:**
– *Devils*: Continue their road trip against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday.
– *Capitals*: Host the Los Angeles Kings on Monday.

___
*AP NHL*
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/luke-hughes-fills-brother-jack-031013174.html

Best wishes to WWE star Randy Orton and his wife Kim

The former WWE Champion, Randy Orton, is not only a decorated veteran professional wrestler but also a devoted family man.

Despite his busy schedule, he never misses a chance to spend quality time with his wife and kids.

Balancing a demanding career and family life, Orton exemplifies commitment both inside and outside the ring.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-best-wishes-wwe-star-randy-orton-wife-kim

Donovan Mitchell anota 30 puntos y Cavaliers remontan para vencer 108-100 a Grizzlies

Lehigh Valley High School Football Scores – November 14, 2025

At 9:33 PM, Donovan Mitchell scored an impressive 30 points as the Cavaliers made a strong comeback to defeat the Grizzlies with a final score of 108-100.

The game was intense, with the Cavaliers overcoming an early deficit to secure the victory. Mitchell’s outstanding performance was a key factor in turning the tide for his team.

https://www.mcall.com/2025/11/15/donovan-mitchell-anota-30-puntos-y-cavaliers-remontan-para-vencer-108-100-a-grizzlies/

Nevada Hit With First Loss After Dropping 98-83 To Santa Clara

It started as a good day for Wolf Pack fans after the football program secured a commanding win in Reno. For basketball, head coach Steve Alford and his team were hoping to make it two Wolf Pack victories on the road against a tough opponent in Santa Clara.

However, the Broncos came out firing and stayed hot offensively throughout the game. Santa Clara never relinquished the lead, ultimately winning 98-83 to hand Nevada its first loss of the season.

### Scoring Summary
**1st Half:** Nevada 34, Santa Clara 48
**2nd Half:** Nevada 49, Santa Clara 50
**Final:** Nevada 83, Santa Clara 98

### Offense

Nevada quickly fell behind 9-2 in the opening minutes. Corey Camper Jr. finally got Nevada on the board with a midrange jumper, quickly followed by a three-point shot that narrowed the gap to 9-5. Despite this effort, Nevada’s offense struggled to keep pace in the first half.

The Wolf Pack made a small run after the seven-minute mark, powered by Camper Jr., who led the first half with 14 points on 5-9 shooting. Nevada shot 44 percent from the field in the first half but managed only three three-pointers in eight attempts.

Turnovers became a major problem. After committing just four turnovers in the overtime win over SIU last week, Nevada had nine turnovers in the first half alone and finished the night with 12.

The second half was similarly challenging, with Nevada trailing by as much as 22 points. The team improved its shooting somewhat but still struggled to close the gap. Despite a late push that cut the deficit to 11 points, turnovers once again hurt the Wolf Pack. It often felt like every time Nevada forced a quick stop, the ball was surrendered immediately on the next possession.

Corey Camper Jr. led Nevada with 21 points on 7-15 shooting, followed closely by Tayshawn Comer, who scored 19 points on an efficient 7-9 shooting performance. Nevada finished shooting 26-58 from the field (45 percent) and 7-14 from beyond the arc (50 percent).

### Defense

Nevada’s defense had a difficult time containing Santa Clara, especially guard Christian Hammond. Hammond poured in 20 points in the first half on an impressive 8-10 shooting, finishing the game with 27 points.

The Broncos got off to a fast start with a 15-3 run to open the game and maintained their momentum throughout. Santa Clara shot 58 percent from the field in the first half and ended the game shooting 62 percent overall.

Although Santa Clara committed 11 turnovers on the night (eight in the first half), they capitalized on their opportunities. The Broncos came down the floor quickly, took high-quality shots, and dominated the boards.

Playing at an extremely fast pace, Santa Clara appeared to hit just about everything they threw up. They also excelled from deep, shooting 48 percent from three-point range. Three Broncos players reached double figures in scoring, including two who scored over 20 points: Christian Hammond with 27 and Bukky Oboye with 22.

### What’s Next

Nevada will look to bounce back next week as it returns home for its fourth home game of the season to host UC Davis. The Aggies recently defeated Sacramento State, improving their record to 3-1 this year.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at the Lawlor Events Center. Fans can expect an intense matchup as the Wolf Pack aims to rebound and regain momentum on their home court.
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/nevada-hit-first-loss-dropping-021043786.html

NASCAR champion has a message for upcoming Cup rookie Connor Zilisch: “You’re going to get here and fall on your face”

Connor Zilisch is at the center of one of NASCAR’s biggest conversations after Joey Logano delivered a candid message about the challenges that lie ahead for the young driver. The exchange was highlighted in an ESPN report discussing what Zilisch should expect as he prepares to enter the NASCAR Cup Series.

Zilisch is set to join Trackhouse Racing full-time in 2026, where he will pilot the No. 88 Chevrolet backed by major partners Red Bull and WeatherTech. In the ESPN article, Logano acknowledged Zilisch’s talent but warned that talent alone won’t guarantee success at the Cup level. He explained, “You cannot drink your own Kool Aid too much where you think you are the next thing because you are going to get here and fall on your face.”

Logano reflected on his own career as an example, noting that he was thrust into the Cup Series early and quickly realized the gap between the lower series and the Cup was larger than he anticipated. Kyle Busch also weighed in, warning that the jump to Cup is tougher than it seems. He described the transition from Xfinity to Cup as a “rude awakening,” adding, “Drivers do not get it or cannot comprehend that step.” Busch emphasized that, “There are no breaks given whether you are racing for the win, a top 10, or 32nd.”

Connor Zilisch’s racing journey began early—he started karting at the age of five. At fourteen, he won the FIA Karting Academy Trophy, then progressed through a diverse range of motorsports, including sports cars, MX-5 Cup, Trans Am, endurance racing, and stock cars. Veteran driver Kevin Harvick played a significant role in guiding Zilisch toward a NASCAR career.

Zilisch’s resume is impressive, with victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring, Late Models, ARCA, Trucks, and the Xfinity Series.

### How Connor Zilisch Handled Losing the Xfinity Title

Before fully turning his attention to the Cup Series, Zilisch faced a setback in the Xfinity Series championship at Phoenix. Despite a record-setting season with dominant performances, the 19-year-old finished behind his close friend Jesse Love, who claimed the title.

Starting the race ahead of other title contenders, Zilisch ultimately fell short but maintained a level-headed perspective. Three days later, in a press conference featured on NASCAR’s official website, he reflected on the defeat:

“At the end of the day, I did everything I could. And my team, the whole JR Motorsports group, we gave our all, and I do not have any reason to be upset about what happened.”

He added, “Yeah, it stings. It sucks. But we did everything we could and we tried our best.”

Zilisch emphasized that he would only regret the outcome if he felt he had left something undone, which he clearly had not. “If I walked out of that place knowing that I could have done something differently, then I probably would have been a little more upset. But I gave it my all. I did everything I could, and the result was not meant to be.”

### Looking Ahead: The Cup Series Future

With his Xfinity chapter behind him, Connor Zilisch will make his move to the NASCAR Cup Series next season, joining Trackhouse Racing alongside teammates Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen. Stefan Parsons will serve as his spotter, helping guide his transition to the sport’s top level.

As the motorsports community watches closely, Zilisch’s talent, work ethic, and grounded attitude will be key factors as he steps into one of the most competitive racing environments in the world.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nascar/news-nascar-champion-message-upcoming-cup-rookie-connor-zilisch-you-re-going-get-fall-face

Exit mobile version
Sitemap Index