Connor Zilisch NASCAR Rising Star has been turning heads with an impressive performance over his last nine Xfinity races, securing four wins, three second-place finishes, and two additional top-five results. The 19-year-old from Charlotte, North Carolina, has been showcasing the talent expected from him since his NASCAR debut, catching the attention of racing legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. after his latest victory.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Praises Zilisch’s Potential
Following the recent race, Earnhardt Jr. expressed high hopes for Zilisch’s future, emphasizing the young driver’s capabilities.
“He has the potential to do incredible, incredible Hall of Fame worthy things,”
said Dale Jr., adding,
“Oh man. He’s a hell of a driver.”
Earnhardt also highlighted the teamwork behind Zilisch’s success:
“You know, he just went up there and got it back,”
he said.
“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.”
Points Standings and Season Outlook
With only a few races remaining this season, Zilisch sits just 21 points behind his JR Motorsports teammate Justin Allgaier, who leads the championship standings. His consistent high finishes suggest that he is a strong contender for the season title, maintaining his place as a key competitor in the series.
Zilisch’s Excitement After Victory at Indianapolis
Zilisch expressed his enthusiasm following his win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Reflecting on the milestone, he shared,
“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.”
Looking Ahead: Cup Series Prospects and Upcoming Races
Given his impressive performances, many expect Connor Zilisch NASCAR Rising Star to soon make the transition to the Cup Series, where the competition is even fiercer. His next challenge will be the Hy-Vee Perks 250 in Iowa, where he will aim to add another victory to his growing resume and continue building momentum toward a promising career at the highest level.

