Connor Zilisch achieved an impressive milestone by winning his first NASCAR Xfinity race at Dover, marking his second consecutive victory this season. The race was shortened due to rain, with 66 laps remaining, but by that time, Zilisch had firmly established himself as the dominant driver, leading a total of 77 laps and controlling the competition.
With four wins this season, Zilisch is proving why JR Motorsports placed their confidence in his talent. Though he is expected to transition to Trackhouse Racing eventually, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is clearly proud of having the young phenom on his team and enjoying the current success.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Celebrates with Team and Fans
Following the rain-shortened race, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was seen enthusiastically celebrating on pit road during the broadcast on The CW, holding two cans of Busch Light and joining the festivities. A moment captured by Steven Taranto of CBS Sports highlights Earnhardt Jr. in a playful, almost festive mood, often likened to a “beer Santa” for his habit of passing out cold drinks during celebrations. His close ties with Budweiser remain strong, despite the race sponsorship.
Strong Performance from JR Motorsports in 2025
JR Motorsports is having a dominant 2025 season, securing 11 wins in the first 20 Xfinity races. Connor Zilisch leads with four victories, Justin Allgaier follows with three, and Sammy Smith has one win. Rookie driver Carson Kvapil is actively seeking his first career victory, while other contributors like Daniel Suárez, Shane van Gisbergen, and Kyle Larson have also tasted success.
Earnhardt Jr.’s Xfinity team boasts remarkable depth, with all four drivers seated comfortably in the top-10 of the points standings. Zilisch, Kvapil, and Smith are seen as future Cup Series contenders, while Allgaier is a respected veteran and reigning champion within the series. The broad talent pool strengthens the team’s chances for continued success.
Looking Ahead: Expectations for Upcoming Races
The momentum for JR Motorsports appears poised to continue as the team prepares for the next race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is anticipated that either Justin Allgaier or Connor Zilisch will be strong contenders for the win, while there is hope that Carson Kvapil may discover the speed needed to secure his first career victory. The quality of drivers across the Xfinity Series this year promises a highly competitive field and exciting future races.
Overall, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his team remain in a favorable position to compete for the Xfinity Series championship, potentially capturing the title consecutively and reinforcing the organization’s status as a powerhouse in the series.