Connor Zilisch, driver for JR Motorsports, continues to pursue an unprecedented fourth consecutive victory in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this Saturday at Iowa Speedway. Riding a remarkable winning streak that includes three straight triumphs, Zilisch aims to extend his dominance in the series during the Hy-Vee Perks 250 race, which will air live at 4:30 p.m. ET on CW and receive coverage from MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Impressive Performance: Four Wins and Three Second-Place Finishes in Nine Races
Over the last nine races, Zilisch has consistently demonstrated elite performance, capturing four wins and finishing runner-up three times. With an average finish of 2.11 in this span, he has solidified his position as one of the series’ most promising young talents. His most recent triumph at Indianapolis Motor Speedway marked JR Motorsports’ 100th win and established Zilisch as the youngest driver to achieve three consecutive Xfinity wins and to collect six career victories in the series, surpassing Joey Logano‘s previous record.
Notably, all six of Zilisch’s Xfinity victories have come during his first races at each respective track, a unique streak he looks to maintain at Iowa Speedway despite it being his Xfinity debut on the 0.875-mile short track.
Historical Context: Few Have Ever Won Four Straight Xfinity Races
Winning four consecutive races in the Xfinity Series is a rare feat, accomplished only twice before – by Sam Ard in 1983 and Noah Gragson in 2022. Zilisch’s attempt to join their ranks puts him on the brink of NASCAR history, highlighting the scale of his current form in this competitive series.
Familiar Territory: Zilisch’s Experience and Crew Chief Advantage at Iowa
While Zilisch has yet to compete at Iowa Speedway in the Xfinity Series, he brings valuable experience from winning last year’s ARCA Menards Series race at the same track. Additionally, Zilisch’s crew chief, Mardy Lindley, has previously guided Sam Mayer to victory in last year’s Xfinity race at Iowa, which strengthens their chances of success.
I was fortunate enough to win the ARCA race at Iowa last year, so I’m looking forward to using what I learned in that race with a new challenge in the Xfinity car,
Zilisch said.
My crew chief, Mardy Lindley, won the race there with Sam Mayer last year, so I know we’ll have a really good KOA Chevrolet when we get to the track this weekend.
—Connor Zilisch, JR Motorsports driver
We’ve been on a roll lately with top-five finishes and trips to Victory Lane, so I’m ready to get to the track and continue that with (sponsor) KOA.
—Connor Zilisch, JR Motorsports driver
Field Changes and Playoff Implications for the Iowa Race
The Hy-Vee Perks 250, the third of five short-track events in the NASCAR Xfinity calendar this season, will be contested without the prior two short-track winners. Austin Hill, winner at Martinsville, faces a one-race suspension following an incident at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, while Bristol winner Kyle Larson is focusing on other commitments this weekend.
Austin Dillon, a full-time competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series, will replace Hill in the No. 21 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing at Iowa Speedway.
With the regular Xfinity season nearing its conclusion, just five playoff spots remain open, intensifying the battle for qualification. Among those on the bubble are cousins Jeb Burton and Harrison Burton, with Jeb currently holding a slim 10-point advantage for the final playoff position.
Significance of the Race and Next Steps
Connor Zilisch’s pursuit of a historic fourth straight win underscores not only his rapid rise within the NASCAR Xfinity Series but also JR Motorsports’ continuing success. Should he accomplish this rare feat, Zilisch would cement his status among the sport’s elite emerging talents and rewrite parts of the series’ record books.
The outcome at Iowa Speedway will further shape the playoff field and test Zilisch’s ability to maintain peak performance against a competitive roster, setting the tone for the closing stretch of the regular season as contenders race for position and momentum.