During the 2025 Hy-Vee PERKS 250 at Iowa Speedway, Connor Zilisch’s aggressive driving sparked a crash that eliminated his JR Motorsports teammates, Justin Allgaier and Ross Chastain. The 19-year-old driver admitted fault after the incident, but the collision intensified tensions within the team. Dale Earnhardt Jr., co-owner of JR Motorsports, responded with firm guidance following the event.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Candid Response to the Crash
The crash occurred on lap 214 when Zilisch was involved in a fierce three-wide battle that resulted in a spin, collecting both Allgaier and Chastain. This wreck was especially damaging to Allgaier, who is competing closely with Zilisch for the regular season championship. With only three races left before the playoffs, Earnhardt expressed clear frustration over the lost chances for his drivers.
Speaking on his podcast, Earnhardt delivered a straightforward message to the young driver.
I don’t mind you going for it for sure. Wrap the bottom, and if you make the pass, you make the pass. That’s kind of the way it is. That was my instant reaction when it happened,
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., JR Motorsports co-owner and NASCAR Hall of Famer
S**t happens. But it just doesn’t always have to. You just try to say, ‘Hey, let’s not make this a habit,’
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., JR Motorsports co-owner and NASCAR Hall of Famer
Team Impact and Connor Zilisch’s Accountability
The aftermath saw Allgaier finishing 16th and Zilisch managing to salvage fourth place, which was his poorest result in his recent races. Zilisch openly accepted responsibility for the crash during a post-race interview.
I apologise to the No. 7 team,
—Connor Zilisch, JR Motorsports driver
Although Zilisch has impressed with strong performances in the No. 88 car, his inexperience became evident in this moment. Earnhardt, having a wealth of NASCAR experience, used the situation to offer crucial advice to the young driver, emphasizing the need for caution when competing aggressively near teammates.
If you are gonna go three-wide into Turn 1 under your teammates at Iowa, you better wrap the apron. Especially if it’s your teammates. If you’re making that decision on corner entry, you better adjust and make sure your a** can wrap the apron and not get loose and get up your teammates.
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., JR Motorsports co-owner and NASCAR Hall of Famer
Lessons Learned and Future Implications for the Team
Though the Iowa crash was a setback, Earnhardt views it as an important learning opportunity for Zilisch. From the team’s perspective, this incident could help the young driver mature and develop greater composure when racing in high-pressure situations. With the playoffs approaching, how Zilisch applies this experience may be critical to his trajectory and the team’s overall success.