Connor Zilisch, a NASCAR rising star, achieved a significant milestone by securing his third consecutive victory in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2025, demonstrating remarkable talent and maturity on the track. At just 19 years old, Zilisch’s recent wins, including a commanding performance at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, have drawn praise from racing great Dale Earnhardt Jr., who compared the young driver to legends like Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson.
The Rise of Connor Zilisch: A Blend of Talent and Maturity
Connor Zilisch’s rise through NASCAR’s ranks has been swift and rare, marked by his uncommon combination of speed, consistency, and mental toughness. His third straight win at Indianapolis was more than just another triumph; it reinforced his position as a driver to watch. NASCAR veteran A. J. Allmendinger famously described Zilisch after the 2024 Mission 200 at Watkins Glen Raceway, saying,
“As we’ve all seen, he’s going to be the next superstar,”
underscoring the expectations surrounding the young driver.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has echoed this sentiment with high praise, drawing direct parallels between Zilisch and the elite racers Gordon and Johnson. When asked what qualities about Zilisch remind him of other great drivers, Earnhardt Jr. remarked,
“The only thing I think it’s close to is probably Jeff Gordon or Jimmy Johnson,”
before adding,
“Um, so he might be even more of a… you know, sort of a rare… he might be even more rare than that, uh, because I don’t know, man. If you all get a chance to spend time around him, you’ll realize how mature he is, and… and um, I think there’s probably a lot of parents in the room… um, that would be amazed at his level of maturity at eighteen years old.”
Zilisch’s story stands out not only for his racing skill but also for the level of personal maturity he exhibits, which Earnhardt Jr. believes is a crucial differentiator in his quick ascent. His ability to stay calm under pressure and make sound decisions during races mirrors the temperament that made former champions successful.
Track Record and Early Career Success in the Xfinity Series
The 2025 Xfinity season has been a banner year for Zilisch, who has notched five wins so far, including a historic trio of consecutive victories at premier tracks such as Indianapolis. Through 21 races, he has earned 10 top-five finishes and 12 top-10 results, showcasing both consistency and competitiveness. His command of races is reflected in his ability to lead 425 laps and hold second place in the point standings with 729 points.
These statistics align closely with the early career arcs of NASCAR greats Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, who quickly made their mark as front-runners. Zilisch’s mix of raw speed, strategic race management, and steady accumulation of points illustrates a driver rapidly establishing himself as a formidable presence in national racing.
Early Independence Abroad helped Shape Zilisch’s Character
One of the defining aspects of Zilisch’s development is the unique path his racing career has taken, including a formative experience racing go-karts in Europe as a young boy. Dale Earnhardt Jr. highlighted this during a post-race discussion, recalling,
“His mom and dad sent him overseas at twelve to race go-karts by himself. They didn’t go with him. … he only knew one individual over there. And as Connor tells it, he had to drive… he had to ride a bicycle up and down the road every day to get his dinner or his lunch, his breakfast, get his haircut, get his mail, do everything at twelve. And you know, I’m sure he had some guidance, but how that matured him is insane.”
This early independence in a foreign environment helped foster mental resilience and self-reliance that translate seamlessly to his race day composure and tactical skill. Since Zilisch’s father was unable to travel with him regularly during these European Karting sessions, mechanic Gary Willis accompanied him, setting their base in Desenzano del Garda, Italy.
Recalling those formative years, Zilisch shared the experience, saying,
“I told my dad this is what I wanted to do. Gary and I would fly over and we’d have an apartment or Airbnb for three to four weeks. We’d hit Italy, Spain, France—basically all Western Europe. Looking back on it now, I didn’t realize how insane it was. Those were the coolest days of my life.”
Earnhardt Jr. on Zilisch’s 100th Win for JR Motorsports
The significance of Zilisch’s recent achievements extends beyond individual glory to a momentous team milestone. His victory at Indianapolis marked JR Motorsports’ 100th win in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, an accomplishment that resonated deeply with team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Reflecting after the race, Earnhardt Jr. expressed how emotionally connected he is to the team’s success:
“Great place to win one hundred. I’m glad because I had some obligations that were gonna keep me away from the track next week, and I was worried we were gonna have to win one hundred and I wouldn’t be there.”
This win was both a personal and professional landmark, highlighting the team’s dedication and collective effort.
The battle for the win was intense, with Zilisch momentarily losing the lead before reclaiming it. Earnhardt Jr. praised the work of Zilisch and his crew, commenting,
“Connor and Crew did a great job building a great car to obviously get to win. Uh, it’s tough to see Justin go out like he did. He wanted to win that one hundredth win for us. All our drivers want that,”
emphasizing the teamwork behind the victory.
He further highlighted the importance of this milestone to JR Motorsports, stating,
“Ultimately, this is a big deal for our company.”
This statement underscores how personally invested Earnhardt Jr. is in the team and its achievements.
The Road Ahead: Is Zilisch Building His Own Legacy?
While comparisons with Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson set the bar high, Connor Zilisch appears to be crafting a legacy uniquely his own, marked by early success and a maturity rare for his age. The NASCAR Hall of Fame recognizes Zilisch’s rapid ascent and consistent performance as indicators of a driver with a strong foundation to sustain success over many years.
Earnhardt Jr. acknowledges that Zilisch is still learning and will inevitably face challenges, but his blend of talent and mental strength positions him as a future superstar of the sport. His current standing—second in the points with impressive race statistics—combined with the respect he commands from veterans and insiders alike, suggests a promising trajectory in NASCAR.
As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes remain on Connor Zilisch, the NASCAR rising star whose combination of youthful energy, experience, and exceptional racing instincts continue to captivate fans and experts. Whether he mirrors the greatness of drivers like Gordon and Johnson or forges an unprecedented path, Zilisch’s journey is a hopeful and thrilling narrative for NASCAR’s future.