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NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Xfinity: NASCAR Xfinity Series Race at Dover Jul 19, 2025 Dover, Delaware, USA NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Connor Zilisch stands on pit road prior to the BetRivers 200 at Dover Motor Speedway. Dover Dover Motor Speedway Delaware USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMatthewxO Harenx 20250719_cec_bm2_138

Few seasons in the Xfinity Series have sparked as much buzz in the NASCAR garage as Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s young prodigy, Connor Zilisch’s 2025 campaign. Driving the No. 88 for JR Motorsports, the young talent has been on fire, notching his ninth win last weekend at Gateway in the Nu Way 200. That’s seven victories in his last eight starts, putting him on the cusp of Kyle Busch’s single-season record of 13 from 2010, with seven races still to go. His dominance has him locked in as the regular-season champion, carrying a hefty points lead into the playoffs. But Zilisch’s Xfinity success is one thing; his jump to the full-time Cup Series in 2026 with Trackhouse Racing, alongside the likes of Shane van Gisbergen, brings a whole new challenge.

He’s dipped his toe in Cup waters already this year, making three starts, including an 11th-place finish at Atlanta. But the full-time shift from Xfinity cars to the Next Gen machine, plus the brutal ovals, could test him like never before. So, how will the NASCAR Cup Series potentially shock Connor Zilisch? Let’s hear from none other than his owner and onetime crew chief, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Jr.’s candid outlook on Zilisch’s rookie challenges

On the latest episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn’t hold back when sizing up Connor Zilisch’s impending rookie year in the Cup Series. Chatting with hosts about Zilisch’s blistering Xfinity form, Junior delivered a grounded six-word verdict: “first year to sort of be rough.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. pointed out that Trackhouse’s “hot and cold vibe” plays a role, saying, “They run the 600 fastest car there by far. And then disappear for a while.” This inconsistency, seen in their strong Coca-Cola 600 showing contrasted with quieter weeks elsewhere, could leave Zilisch mid-pack often as he adjusts. Drawing from Connor Zilisch‘s limited Cup exposure, like his DNF at COTA after tangling with teammate Daniel Suarez, Junior emphasized the patience needed, much like how Noah Gragson struggled post-Xfinity dominance, managing just three top-fives in two full Cup seasons despite 13 Xfinity wins.

The core of Junior’s caution lies in the massive gap between Xfinity and Cup machinery. “He’s learning an entirely new car, the short sidewall, the way this car feels, the way the car reacts and steps out, and all of those things will be very unique and different than what he’s experiencing in the Xfinity car,” Junior explained. Unlike the more forgiving Xfinity cars with taller sidewalls that allow aggressive cornering, the Next Gen Cup car demands precision amid dirty air and tighter margins for error; think how Zilisch might slap the wall on corner exit trailing traffic, a common rookie pitfall.

NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Xfinity: NASCAR Xfinity Series Race at Dover Jul 19, 2025 Dover, Delaware, USA NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Connor Zilisch stands on pit road prior to the BetRivers 200 at Dover Motor Speedway. Dover Dover Motor Speedway Delaware USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMatthewxO Harenx 20250719_cec_bm2_138

Junior compared it to Chase Briscoe’s journey at Stewart-Haas Racing, where it took a whole first season to build that “new notebook” on the car’s limits without wrecking out and winning his first race at Phoenix. But still, Briscoe, jumping teams in 2025, racked up DNFs early before clicking with top-10 runs; Zilisch, with zero oval experience at the Cup level beyond brief superspeedway tastes, could mirror that grind on tracks like Daytona and Atlanta.

Still, Junior sees bright spots, especially on road courses where Zilisch thrives. “Wouldn’t be surprised if Connor battles for a win in a road course. I think that’s not stepping out of bounds,” he noted, crediting Shane van Gisbergen’s setup tweaks for the Next Gen car after his own year-one learning curve. SVG, who debuted in the Cup in 2023 and now understands what the car needs to be better, will hand Zilisch a dialed-in machine — potentially fast from the jump at tracks like Sonoma, where Zilisch has already won in Xfinity.

Yet Junior tempered optimism: “So, he’s got to build up this sort of data point or buildup… a new notebook internally about what the car’s capable of doing.” This echoes Briscoe’s story, where avoiding toe-link breaks and bad-air mishaps turned a rough start into consistency. For Zilisch, smart survival in an opener like Daytona could set a solid tone, but expect some 20th-place runs turning into unplanned pit stops.

As Dale Jr. unpacks these transitions, his insights extend beyond rookies to the veterans chasing glory in these playoffs.

Dale Jr. sees Denny Hamlin poised for Cup breakthrough

Dale Earnhardt Jr. turned his podcast lens to the playoffs, zeroing in on Denny Hamlin as the driver best equipped for that long-sought championship. At 44, Hamlin has grabbed three Daytona 500s and 59 Cup wins, but the title has slipped away in finals at Phoenix time and again, like his 2020 title run in Phoenix, where he failed to lead a single lap and finished fourth, or 2021’s late-race fade at Martinsville when he was spun out by Alex Bowman.

Junior praised Hamlin’s evolution, stating, “Every year we say, ‘Man, this is his best shot.’ What Denny’s been able to do over the last handful of seasons to be one of the favorites, one of the contenders year after year after year. And literally every single year it seems like he’s even better.”

This build-up culminated in Hamlin’s recent Gateway win, his fifth of 2025, clinching a Round of 12 spot despite Joe Gibbs Racing‘s crew shake-ups. Junior doubled down on Hamlin’s edge, saying, “It really does feel like he’s in the best position he’s ever been in… Right now, I think we can say, maybe for the first time, that he’s the best car in the field at this point.”

Unlike peers fading with age, Hamlin’s work ethic, honed under Joe Gibbs’ guidance, keeps him sharp against youngsters. With the No. 11 Camry humming, Junior views this as Hamlin’s window to finally hoist the trophy before Phoenix.

Fuente: https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-dale-jr-warns-connor-zilisch-with-six-word-honest-verdict-on-his-rookie-cup-run/

Few seasons in the Xfinity Series have sparked as much buzz in the NASCAR garage as Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s young prodigy, Connor Zilisch’s 2025 campaign. Driving the No. 88 for JR Motorsports, the young talent has been on fire, notching his ninth win last weekend at Gateway in the Nu Way 200. That’s seven victories in his last eight starts, putting him on the cusp of Kyle Busch’s single-season record of 13 from 2010, with seven races still to go. His dominance has him locked in as the regular-season champion, carrying a hefty points lead into the playoffs. But Zilisch’s Xfinity success is one thing; his jump to the full-time Cup Series in 2026 with Trackhouse Racing, alongside the likes of Shane van Gisbergen, brings a whole new challenge.

He’s dipped his toe in Cup waters already this year, making three starts, including an 11th-place finish at Atlanta. But the full-time shift from Xfinity cars to the Next Gen machine, plus the brutal ovals, could test him like never before. So, how will the NASCAR Cup Series potentially shock Connor Zilisch? Let’s hear from none other than his owner and onetime crew chief, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Jr.’s candid outlook on Zilisch’s rookie challenges

On the latest episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn’t hold back when sizing up Connor Zilisch’s impending rookie year in the Cup Series. Chatting with hosts about Zilisch’s blistering Xfinity form, Junior delivered a grounded six-word verdict. “first year to sort of be rough.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. pointed out that Trackhouse’s “hot and cold vibe” plays a role, saying, “They run the 600 fastest car there by far. And then disappear for a while.” This inconsistency, seen in their strong Coca-Cola 600 showing contrasted with quieter weeks elsewhere, could leave Zilisch mid-pack often as he adjusts. Drawing from Connor Zilisch‘s limited Cup exposure, like his DNF at COTA after tangling with teammate Daniel Suarez, Junior emphasized the patience needed, much like how Noah Gragson struggled post-Xfinity dominance, managing just three top-fives in two full Cup seasons despite 13 Xfinity wins.

The core of Junior’s caution lies in the massive gap between Xfinity and Cup machinery. “He’s learning an entirely new car, the short sidewall, the way this car feels, the way the car reacts and steps out, and all of those things will be very unique and different than what he’s experiencing in the Xfinity car,” Junior explained. Unlike the more forgiving Xfinity cars with taller sidewalls that allow aggressive cornering, the Next Gen Cup car demands precision amid dirty air and tighter margins for error; think how Zilisch might slap the wall on corner exit trailing traffic, a common rookie pitfall.

Junior compared it to Chase Briscoe’s journey at Stewart-Haas Racing, where it took a whole first season to build that “new notebook” on the car’s limits without wrecking out and winning his first race at Phoenix. But still, Briscoe, jumping teams in 2025, racked up DNFs early before clicking with top-10 runs; Zilisch, with zero oval experience at the Cup level beyond brief superspeedway tastes, could mirror that grind on tracks like Daytona and Atlanta.

Still, Junior sees bright spots, especially on road courses where Zilisch thrives. “Wouldn’t be surprised if Connor battles for a win in a road course. I think that’s not stepping out of bounds,” he noted, crediting Shane van Gisbergen‘s setup tweaks for the Next Gen car after his own year-one learning curve. SVG, who debuted in the Cup in 2023 and now understands what the car needs to be better, will hand Zilisch a dialed-in machine — potentially fast from the jump at tracks like Sonoma, where Zilisch has already won in Xfinity.

Yet Junior tempered optimism: “So, he’s got to build up this sort of data point or buildup… a new notebook internally about what the car’s capable of doing.” This echoes Briscoe’s story, where avoiding toe-link breaks and bad-air mishaps turned a rough start into consistency. For Zilisch, smart survival in an opener like Daytona could set a solid tone, but expect some 20th-place runs turning into unplanned pit stops.

As Dale Jr. unpacks these transitions, his insights extend beyond rookies to the veterans chasing glory in these playoffs.

Dale Jr. sees Denny Hamlin poised for Cup breakthrough

Dale Earnhardt Jr. turned his podcast lens to the playoffs, zeroing in on Denny Hamlin as the driver best equipped for that long-sought championship. At 44, Hamlin has grabbed three Daytona 500s and 59 Cup wins, but the title has slipped away in finals at Phoenix time and again, like his 2020 title run in Phoenix, where he failed to lead a single lap and finished fourth, or 2021’s late-race fade at Martinsville when he was spun out by Alex Bowman.

Junior praised Hamlin’s evolution, stating, “Every year we say, ‘Man, this is his best shot.’ What Denny’s been able to do over the last handful of seasons to be one of the favorites, one of the contenders year after year after year. And literally every single year it seems like he’s even better.”

This build-up culminated in Hamlin’s recent Gateway win, his fifth of 2025, clinching a Round of 12 spot despite Joe Gibbs Racing‘s crew shake-ups. Junior doubled down on Hamlin’s edge, saying, “It really does feel like he’s in the best position he’s ever been in… Right now, I think we can say, maybe for the first time, that he’s the best car in the field at this point.”

Unlike peers fading with age, Hamlin’s work ethic, honed under Joe Gibbs’ guidance, keeps him sharp against youngsters. With the No. 11 Camry humming, Junior views this as Hamlin’s window to finally hoist the trophy before Phoenix.

Fuente: https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-dale-jr-warns-connor-zilisch-with-six-word-honest-verdict-on-his-rookie-cup-run/

Dale Earnhardt Jr. emitió un aviso contundente a Connor Zilisch, el prometedor rookie de NASCAR, con un veredicto de seis palabras sobre su inminente temporada en la Serie Cup. Tras su impresionante campaña en la Serie Xfinity, donde dominó con nueve victorias, incluyendo la última en el Nu Way 200 en Gateway, Zilisch se enfrenta al desafío de dar el salto a la Serie Cup en 2026 con Trackhouse Racing, junto a pilotos como Shane van Gisbergen.

Dale Jr. emitió un veredicto de seis palabras: “first year to sort of be rough.”

El éxito de Zilisch en la Serie Xfinity es una cosa, pero su salto a la Serie Cup en 2026 con Trackhouse Racing, junto a pilotos como Shane van Gisbergen, presenta un nuevo desafío.

El rápido crecimiento de Zilisch en la Serie Xfinity ha generado expectativas, pero su transición a la Serie Cup presenta un cambio considerable. La “hot and cold vibe” de Trackhouse, marcada por periodos de dominancia y desapariciones intermitentes, podría dificultar la adaptación de Zilisch, que a menudo se encuentra en la parte media del pelotón mientras se ajusta a las nuevas condiciones.

Con una limitada exposición a la Serie Cup, incluyendo un DNF en COTA tras una colisión con su compañero Daniel Suarez, Junior enfatizó la necesidad de paciencia, similar a la experiencia de Noah Gragson, quien luchó tras su dominio en la Serie Xfinity, consiguiendo solo tres podios en dos temporadas completas.

El núcleo de la advertencia de Junior radica en la enorme diferencia entre la Serie Xfinity y la Serie Cup. “Él está aprendiendo un coche completamente nuevo, la estrechez de la carrocería, la forma en que este coche reacciona y salta, y todos estos aspectos serán muy diferentes a lo que está experimentando en la Serie Xfinity,” explicó Junior. A diferencia de los autos más indulgentes de la Serie Xfinity con paredes laterales más altas que permiten un manejo agresivo en las curvas, el Next Gen Cup car exige precisión en medio del aire sucio y márgenes de error más estrechos; como podría ocurrir si Zilisch golpea la pared en la salida de la curva, una trampa común para los pilotos novatos en los pits.

Comparó esta situación con el viaje de Chase Briscoe en Stewart-Haas Racing, donde tomó una temporada completa para “construir ese nuevo cuaderno” sobre los límites del coche, sin sufrir accidentes ni ganar su primer carrera en Phoenix. Sin embargo, Briscoe, al cambiar de equipo en 2025, sufrió DNF iniciales antes de encontrar consistencia con resultados en el Top 10, mientras que Zilisch, sin experiencia en óvalos a nivel de Serie Cup más allá de gustos de alta velocidad, podría reflejar esa misma lucha en pistas como Daytona y Atlanta.

A pesar de esto, Junior ve puntos fuertes, especialmente en circuitos de calle donde Zilisch prospera. “No sería sorprendente que Connor dispute una victoria en un circuito de calle. Creo que no está saliendo de los límites,” dijo, haciendo referencia a los ajustes de configuración de Shane van Gisbergen para el Next Gen car después de su propia curva de aprendizaje. SVG, quien debutó en la Serie Cup en 2023 y ahora comprende lo que el coche necesita para mejorar, entregará a Zilisch una máquina afinada —potencialmente rápida desde el principio en pistas como Sonoma, donde Zilisch ya ha ganado en la Serie Xfinity.

Sin embargo, Junior moderó el optimismo: “Así que él tiene que construir este tipo de punto de datos o acumulación… un nuevo cuaderno internamente sobre lo que es capaz de hacer el coche.” Esto refleja la historia de Briscoe, donde evitar las roturas de los enlaces y los problemas con el aire sucio transformó un mal comienzo en consistencia. Para Zilisch, la supervivencia inteligente en un debut como Daytona podría establecer un tono sólido, pero espera resultados de 20º lugar que se conviertan en paradas inesperadas en los pits.

A medida que Dale Jr. desglosa estas transiciones, sus perspectivas se extienden más allá de los novatos, llegando a los veteranos persiguiendo el gloria en estas finales.

Dale Jr. Ve a Denny Hamlin Posicionado para un Rompimiento de la Serie Cup

Dale Earnhardt Jr. expandió su podcast para incluir a Denny Hamlin, que se encuentra en una posición favorable para un campeonato de la Serie Cup. A los 44 años, Hamlin ha conseguido tres victorias en el Daytona 500 y 59 carreras de la Serie Cup, pero el título ha resultado esquivo en finales en Phoenix, como sus intentos en 2020 y 2021.

Junior elogió la evolución de Hamlin, diciendo: “Cada año decimos, ‘¿Guau, este es su mejor oportunidad?’ Lo que Hamlin ha podido hacer en las últimas temporadas para estar entre los favoritos, uno de los contendientes año tras año tras año. Y literalmente cada año parece que ni siquiera está mejorando”.

Este desarrollo culminó en la reciente victoria de Hamlin en Gateway, su quinta de 2025, que le aseguró un lugar en la fase de eliminación, a pesar de las reestructuraciones de la tripulación de Joe Gibbs Racing. Junior reforzó la ventaja de Hamlin, diciendo: “Realmente se siente como si estuviera en la mejor posición que ha tenido… Ahora podemos decir que, por primera vez, que él es el mejor coche en el campo en este momento”.

A diferencia de sus compañeros que se desvanecen con la edad, el trabajo duro de Hamlin, perfeccionado bajo la guía de Joe Gibbs, lo mantiene en forma frente a los jóvenes. Con el No. 11 Camry funcionando sin problemas, Junior ve esto como la ventana de Hamlin para finalmente levantar el trofeo antes de Phoenix.

Fuente: https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-dale-jr-warns-connor-zilisch-with-six-word-honest-verdict-on-his-rookie-cup-run/

NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Xfinity: NASCAR Xfinity Series Race at Dover Jul 19, 2025 Dover, Delaware, USA NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Connor Zilisch stands on pit road prior to the BetRivers 200 at Dover Motor Speedway. Dover Dover Motor Speedway Delaware USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMatthewxO Harenx 20250719_cec_bm2_138

Few seasons in the Xfinity Series have sparked as much buzz in the NASCAR garage as Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s young prodigy, Connor Zilisch’s 2025 campaign. Driving the No. 88 for JR Motorsports, the young talent has been on fire, notching his ninth win last weekend at Gateway in the Nu Way 200. That’s seven victories in his last eight starts, putting him on the cusp of Kyle Busch’s single-season record of 13 from 2010, with seven races still to go. His dominance has him locked in as the regular-season champion, carrying a hefty points lead into the playoffs. But Zilisch’s Xfinity success is one thing; his jump to the full-time Cup Series in 2026 with Trackhouse Racing, alongside the likes of Shane van Gisbergen, brings a whole new challenge.

He’s dipped his toe in Cup waters already this year, making three starts, including an 11th-place finish at Atlanta. But the full-time shift from Xfinity cars to the Next Gen machine, plus the brutal ovals, could test him like never before. So, how will the NASCAR Cup Series potentially shock Connor Zilisch? Let’s hear from none other than his owner and onetime crew chief, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Jr.’s candid outlook on Zilisch’s rookie challenges

On the latest episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn’t hold back when sizing up Connor Zilisch’s impending rookie year in the Cup Series. Chatting with hosts about Zilisch’s blistering Xfinity form, Junior delivered a grounded six-word verdict: “first year to sort of be rough.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. pointed out that Trackhouse’s “hot and cold vibe” plays a role, saying, “They run the 600 fastest car there by far. And then disappear for a while.” This inconsistency, seen in their strong Coca-Cola 600 showing contrasted with quieter weeks elsewhere, could leave Zilisch mid-pack often as he adjusts. Drawing from Connor Zilisch‘s limited Cup exposure, like his DNF at COTA after tangling with teammate Daniel Suarez, Junior emphasized the patience needed, much like how Noah Gragson struggled post-Xfinity dominance, managing just three top-fives in two full Cup seasons despite 13 Xfinity wins.

The core of Junior’s caution lies in the massive gap between Xfinity and Cup machinery. “He’s learning an entirely new car, the short sidewall, the way this car feels, the way the car reacts and steps out, and all of those things will be very unique and different than what he’s experiencing in the Xfinity car,” Junior explained. Unlike the more forgiving Xfinity cars with taller sidewalls that allow aggressive cornering, the Next Gen Cup car demands precision amid dirty air and tighter margins for error; think how Zilisch might slap the wall on corner exit trailing traffic, a common rookie pitfall.

Unlike the more forgiving Xfinity cars with taller sidewalls that allow aggressive cornering, the Next Gen Cup car demands precision amid dirty air and tighter margins for error; think how Zilisch might slap the wall on corner exit trailing traffic, a common rookie pitfall.

Still, Junior compared it to Chase Briscoe’s journey at Stewart-Haas Racing, where it took a whole first season to build that “new notebook” on the car’s limits without wrecking out and winning his first race at Phoenix. But still, Briscoe, jumping teams in 2025, racked up DNFs early before clicking with top-10 runs; Zilisch, with zero oval experience at the Cup level beyond brief superspeedway tastes, could mirror that grind on tracks like Daytona and Atlanta.

Yet Junior sees bright spots, especially on road courses where Zilisch thrives. “Wouldn’t be surprised if Connor battles for a win in a road course. I think that’s not stepping out of bounds,” he noted, crediting Shane van Gisbergen’s setup tweaks for the Next Gen car after his own year-one learning curve. SVG, who debuted in the Cup in 2023 and now understands what the car needs to be better, will hand Zilisch a dialed-in machine — potentially fast from the jump at tracks like Sonoma, where Zilisch has already won in Xfinity.

However, Junior tempered optimism: “So, he’s got to build up this sort of data point or buildup… a new notebook internally about what the car’s capable of doing.” This echoes Briscoe’s story, where avoiding toe-link breaks and bad-air mishaps turned a rough start into consistency. For Zilisch, smart survival in an opener like Daytona could set a solid tone, but expect some 20th-place runs turning into unplanned pit stops.

As Dale Jr. unpacks these transitions, his insights extend beyond rookies to the veterans chasing glory in these playoffs.

Dale Jr. sees Denny Hamlin poised for Cup breakthrough

Dale Earnhardt Jr. turned his podcast lens to the playoffs, zeroing in on Denny Hamlin as the driver best equipped for that long-sought championship. At 44, Hamlin has grabbed three Daytona 500s and 59 Cup wins, but the title has slipped away in finals at Phoenix time and again, like his 2020 title run in Phoenix, where he failed to lead a single lap and finished fourth, or 2021’s late-race fade at Martinsville when he was spun out by Alex Bowman.

Junior praised Hamlin’s evolution, stating, “Every year we say, ‘Man, this is his best shot.’ What Denny’s been able to do over the last handful of seasons to be one of the favorites, one of the contenders year after year after year. And literally every single year it seems like he’s even better.”

This build-up culminated in Hamlin’s recent Gateway win, his fifth of 2025, clinching a Round of 12 spot despite Joe Gibbs Racing‘s crew shake-ups. Junior doubled down on Hamlin’s edge, saying, “It really does feel like he’s in the best position he’s ever been in… Right now, I think we can say, maybe for the first time, that he’s the best car in the field at this point.”

Unlike peers fading with age, Hamlin’s work ethic, honed under Joe Gibbs’ guidance, keeps him sharp against youngsters. With the No. 11 Camry humming, Junior views this as Hamlin’s window to finally hoist the trophy before Phoenix.

Fuente: https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-dale-jr-warns-connor-zilisch-with-six-word-honest-verdict-on-his-rookie-cup-run/

Few seasons in the Xfinity Series have sparked as much buzz in the NASCAR garage as Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s young prodigy, Connor Zilisch’s 2025 campaign. Driving the No. 88 for JR Motorsports, the young talent has been on fire, notching his ninth win last weekend at Gateway in the Nu Way 200. That’s seven victories in his last eight starts, putting him on the cusp of Kyle Busch’s single-season record of 13 from 2010, with seven races still to go. His dominance has him locked in as the regular-season champion, carrying a hefty points lead into the playoffs. But Zilisch’s Xfinity success is one thing; his jump to the full-time Cup Series in 2026 with Trackhouse Racing, alongside the likes of Shane van Gisbergen, brings a whole new challenge.

He’s dipped his toe in Cup waters already this year, making three starts, including an 11th-place finish at Atlanta. But the full-time shift from Xfinity cars to the Next Gen machine, plus the brutal ovals, could test him like never before. So, how will the NASCAR Cup Series potentially shock Connor Zilisch? Let’s hear from none other than his owner and onetime crew chief, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Jr.’s Candid Outlook on Zilisch’s Rookie Challenges

On the latest episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn’t hold back when sizing up Connor Zilisch’s impending rookie year in the Cup Series. Chatting with hosts about Zilisch’s blistering Xfinity form, Junior delivered a grounded six-word verdict: “first year to sort of be rough.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. pointed out that Trackhouse’s “hot and cold vibe” plays a role, saying, “They run the 600 fastest car there by far. And then disappear for a while.” This inconsistency, seen in their strong Coca-Cola 600 showing contrasted with quieter weeks elsewhere, could leave Zilisch mid-pack often as he adjusts. Drawing from Connor Zilisch’s limited Cup exposure, like his DNF at COTA after tangling with teammate Daniel Suarez, Junior emphasized the patience needed, much like how Noah Gragson struggled post-Xfinity dominance, managing just three top-fives in two full Cup seasons despite 13 Xfinity wins.

The core of Junior’s caution lies in the massive gap between Xfinity and Cup machinery. “He’s learning an entirely new car, the short sidewall, the way this car feels, the way the car reacts and steps out, and all of those things will be very unique and different than what he’s experiencing in the Xfinity car,” Junior explained. Unlike the more forgiving Xfinity cars with taller sidewalls that allow aggressive cornering, the Next Gen Cup car demands precision amid dirty air and tighter margins for error; think how Zilisch might slap the wall on corner exit trailing traffic, a common rookie pitfall.

Junior compared it to Chase Briscoe’s journey at Stewart-Haas Racing, where it took a whole first season to build that “new notebook” on the car’s limits without wrecking out and winning his first race at Phoenix. But still, Briscoe, jumping teams in 2025, racked up DNFs early before clicking with top-10 runs; Zilisch, with zero oval experience at the Cup level beyond brief superspeedway tastes, could mirror that grind on tracks like Daytona and Atlanta.

Still, Junior sees bright spots, especially on road courses where Zilisch thrives. “Wouldn’t be surprised if Connor battles for a win in a road course. I think that’s not stepping out of bounds,” he noted, crediting Shane van Gisbergen’s setup tweaks for the Next Gen car after his own year-one learning curve. SVG, who debuted in the Cup in 2023 and now understands what the car needs to be better, will hand Zilisch a dialed-in machine — potentially fast from the jump at tracks like Sonoma, where Zilisch has already won in Xfinity.

Yet Junior tempered optimism: “So, he’s got to build up this sort of data point or buildup… a new notebook internally about what the car’s capable of doing.” This echoes Briscoe’s story, where avoiding toe-link breaks and bad-air mishaps turned a rough start into consistency. For Zilisch, smart survival in an opener like Daytona could set a solid tone, but expect some 20th-place runs turning into unplanned pit stops.

As Dale Jr. unpacks these transitions, his insights extend beyond rookies to the veterans chasing glory in these playoffs.

Dale Jr. Sees Denny Hamlin Poised for Cup Breakthrough

Dale Earnhardt Jr. turned his podcast lens to the playoffs, zeroing in on Denny Hamlin as the driver best equipped for that long-sought championship. At 44, Hamlin has grabbed three Daytona 500s and 59 Cup wins, but the title has slipped away in finals at Phoenix time and again, like his 2020 title run in Phoenix, where he failed to lead a single lap and finished fourth, or 2021’s late-race fade at Martinsville when he was spun out by Alex Bowman.

Junior praised Hamlin’s evolution, stating, “Every year we say, ‘Man, this is his best shot.’ What Denny’s been able to do over the last handful of seasons to be one of the favorites, one of the contenders year after year after year. And literally every single year it seems like he’s even better.”

This build-up culminated in Hamlin’s recent Gateway win, his fifth of 2025, clinching a Round of 12 spot despite Joe Gibbs Racing’s crew shake-ups. Junior doubled down on Hamlin’s edge, saying, “It really does feel like he’s in the best position he’s ever been in… Right now, I think we can say, maybe for the first time, that he’s the best car in the field at this point.”

Unlike peers fading with age, Hamlin’s work ethic, honed under Joe Gibbs’ guidance, keeps him sharp against youngsters. With the No. 11 Camry humming, Junior views this as Hamlin’s window to finally hoist the trophy before Phoenix.

Fuente: https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-dale-jr-warns-connor-zilisch-with-six-word-honest-verdict-on-his-rookie-cup-run/

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s young prodigy, Connor Zilisch’s 2025 campaign in the Xfinity Series, has sparked significant buzz within the NASCAR garage. Driving the No. 88 for JR Motorsports, the young talent has demonstrated considerable prowess, culminating in a ninth win last weekend at Gateway in the Nu Way 200. This performance places him on the cusp of matching Kyle Busch’s single-season record of 13 victories from 2010, with seven races remaining. His dominance has secured his regular-season championship, carrying a substantial points lead into the playoffs. However, Zilisch’s transition to the full-time Cup Series in 2026 with Trackhouse Racing, alongside drivers like Shane van Gisbergen, presents a considerably different challenge.

He has already gained Cup Series experience, including an 11th-place finish at Atlanta. However, the shift from Xfinity cars to the Next Gen machine, coupled with the demands of oval racing, could prove demanding. NASCAR Cup Series analyst Dale Earnhardt Jr. offers his assessment.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s candid outlook on Zilisch’s impending rookie year in the Cup Series centers around the significant gap between Xfinity and Cup machinery. “First year to sort of be rough,” Junior stated. He noted Trackhouse’s “hot and cold vibe,” describing instances where the team’s No. 600 car is significantly faster than others, followed by periods of relative quiet. This inconsistency could result in Zilisch often finding himself in mid-pack as he adjusts. Drawing from Zilisch’s limited Cup exposure—including a DNF at COTA after tangling with Daniel Suarez—Junior emphasizes the need for patience. Noah Gragson’s struggles post-Xfinity dominance, despite 13 Xfinity wins, underscore this point, having managed just three top-fives in two full Cup seasons.

The core of Junior’s caution lies in the considerable difference between Xfinity and Cup car specifications. “He’s learning an entirely new car, the short sidewall, the way this car feels, the way the car reacts and steps out, and all of those things will be very unique and different than what he’s experiencing in the Xfinity car,” Junior explained. Unlike the more forgiving Xfinity cars with taller sidewalls, the Next Gen Cup car demands precision amidst dirty air and tighter margins for error—a common rookie pitfall.

Junior compared this transition to Chase Briscoe’s journey at Stewart-Haas Racing, where it took a whole first season to build “this sort of data point or buildup…a new notebook internally about what the car’s capable of doing” without causing wrecks or significant losses. Briscoe racked up DNFs early before clicking with top-10 runs; Zilisch, with zero oval experience at the Cup level beyond limited superspeedway tastes, could mirror that grind on tracks like Daytona and Atlanta.

Despite these concerns, Junior sees positive aspects, especially on road courses where Zilisch thrives. “Wouldn’t be surprised if Connor battles for a win in a road course. I think that’s not stepping out of bounds,” he noted, citing Shane van Gisbergen’s setup tweaks for the Next Gen car after his own year-one learning curve. SVG, who debuted in the Cup in 2023 and now understands what the car needs to be better, will hand Zilisch a dialed-in machine—potentially fast from the jump at tracks like Sonoma, where Zilisch has already won in Xfinity.

Yet Junior tempered optimism: “So, he’s got to build up this sort of data point or buildup…a new notebook internally about what the car’s capable of doing.” This echoes Briscoe’s story, where avoiding toe-link breaks and bad-air mishaps turned a rough start into consistency. For Zilisch, smart survival in an opener like Daytona could set a solid tone, but expect some 20th-place runs turning into unplanned pit stops.

As Dale Jr. unpacks these transitions, his insights extend beyond rookies to the veterans chasing glory in these playoffs.

Dale Jr. Sees Denny Hamlin Poised for Cup Breakthrough

Dale Earnhardt Jr. turned his podcast lens to the playoffs, zeroing in on Denny Hamlin as the driver best equipped for that long-sought championship. At 44, Hamlin has grabbed three Daytona 500s and 59 Cup wins, but the title has slipped away in finals at Phoenix time and again, like his 2020 title run in Phoenix, where he failed to lead a single lap and finished fourth, or 2021’s late-race fade at Martinsville when he was spun out by Alex Bowman.

Junior praised Hamlin’s evolution, stating, “Every year we say, ‘Man, this is his best shot.’ What Denny’s been able to do over the last handful of seasons to be one of the favorites, one of the contenders year after year after year. And literally every single year it seems like he’s even better.”

This build-up culminated in Hamlin’s recent Gateway win, his fifth of 2025, clinching a Round of 12 spot despite Joe Gibbs Racing’s crew shake-ups. Junior doubled down on Hamlin’s edge, saying, “It really does feel like he’s in the best position he’s ever been in… Right now, I think we can say, maybe for the first time, that he’s the best car in the field at this point.”

Unlike peers fading with age, Hamlin’s work ethic, honed under Joe Gibbs’ guidance, keeps him sharp against youngsters. With the No. 11 Camry humming, Junior views this as Hamlin’s window to finally hoist the trophy before Phoenix.

Fuente: https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-dale-jr-warns-connor-zilisch-with-six-word-honest-verdict-on-his-rookie-cup-run/

Few seasons in the Xfinity Series have sparked as much buzz in the NASCAR garage as Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s young prodigy, Connor Zilisch’s 2025 campaign. Driving the No. 88 for JR Motorsports, the young talent has been on fire, notching his ninth win last weekend at Gateway in the Nu Way 200. That’s seven victories in his last eight starts, putting him on the cusp of Kyle Busch’s single-season record of 13 from 2010, with seven races still to go. His dominance has him locked in as the regular-season champion, carrying a hefty points lead into the playoffs. But Zilisch’s Xfinity success is one thing; his jump to the full-time Cup Series in 2026 with Trackhouse Racing, alongside the likes of Shane van Gisbergen, brings a whole new challenge.

He’s dipped his toe in Cup waters already this year, making three starts, including an 11th-place finish at Atlanta. But the full-time shift from Xfinity cars to the Next Gen machine, plus the brutal ovals, could test him like never before. So, how will the NASCAR Cup Series potentially shock Connor Zilisch? Let’s hear from none other than his owner and onetime crew chief, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Jr.’s candid outlook on Zilisch’s rookie challenges

On the latest episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn’t hold back when sizing up Connor Zilisch’s impending rookie year in the Cup Series. Chatting with hosts about Zilisch’s blistering Xfinity form, Junior delivered a grounded six-word verdict. “First year to sort of be rough.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. pointed out that Trackhouse’s “hot and cold vibe” plays a role, saying, “They run the 600 fastest car there by far. And then disappear for a while.” This inconsistency, seen in their strong Coca-Cola 600 showing contrasted with quieter weeks elsewhere, could leave Zilisch mid-pack often as he adjusts. Drawing from Connor Zilisch‘s limited Cup exposure, like his DNF at COTA after tangling with teammate Daniel Suarez, Junior emphasized the patience needed, much like how Noah Gragson struggled post-Xfinity dominance, managing just three top-fives in two full Cup seasons despite 13 Xfinity wins.

The core of Junior’s caution lies in the massive gap between Xfinity and Cup machinery. “He’s learning an entirely new car, the short sidewall, the way this car feels, the way the car reacts and steps out, and all of those things will be very unique and different than what he’s experiencing in the Xfinity car,” Junior explained. Unlike the more forgiving Xfinity cars with taller sidewalls that allow aggressive cornering, the Next Gen Cup car demands precision amid dirty air and tighter margins for error; think how Zilisch might slap the wall on corner exit trailing traffic, a common rookie pitfall.

Junior compared it to Chase Briscoe’s journey at Stewart-Haas Racing, where it took a whole first season to build that “new notebook” on the car’s limits without wrecking out and winning his first race at Phoenix. But still, Briscoe, jumping teams in 2025, racked up DNFs early before clicking with top-10 runs; Zilisch, with zero oval experience at the Cup level beyond brief superspeedway tastes, could mirror that grind on tracks like Daytona and Atlanta.

Still, Junior sees bright spots, especially on road courses where Zilisch thrives. “Wouldn’t be surprised if Connor battles for a win in a road course. I think that’s not stepping out of bounds,” he noted, crediting Shane van Gisbergen‘s setup tweaks for the Next Gen car after his own year-one learning curve. SVG, who debuted in the Cup in 2023 and now understands what the car needs to be better, will hand Zilisch a dialed-in machine — potentially fast from the jump at tracks like Sonoma, where Zilisch has already won in Xfinity.

Yet Junior tempered optimism: “So, he’s got to build up this sort of data point or buildup… a new notebook internally about what the car’s capable of doing.” This echoes Briscoe’s story, where avoiding toe-link breaks and bad-air mishaps turned a rough start into consistency. For Zilisch, smart survival in an opener like Daytona could set a solid tone, but expect some 20th-place runs turning into unplanned pit stops.

As Dale Jr. unpacks these transitions, his insights extend beyond rookies to the veterans chasing glory in these playoffs.

Dale Jr. sees Denny Hamlin poised for Cup breakthrough

Dale Earnhardt Jr. turned his podcast lens to the playoffs, zeroing in on Denny Hamlin as the driver best equipped for that long-sought championship. At 44, Hamlin has grabbed three Daytona 500s and 59 Cup wins, but the title has slipped away in finals at Phoenix time and again, like his 2020 title run in Phoenix, where he failed to lead a single lap and finished fourth, or 2021’s late-race fade at Martinsville when he was spun out by Alex Bowman.

Junior praised Hamlin’s evolution, stating, “Every year we say, ‘Man, this is his best shot.’ What Denny’s been able to do over the last handful of seasons to be one of the favorites, one of the contenders year after year after year. And literally every single year it seems like he’s even better.”

This build-up culminated in Hamlin’s recent Gateway win, his fifth of 2025, clinching a Round of 12 spot despite Joe Gibbs Racing‘s crew shake-ups. Junior doubled down on Hamlin’s edge, saying, “It really does feel like he’s in the best position he’s ever been in… Right now, I think we can say, maybe for the first time, that he’s the best car in the field at this point.”

Unlike peers fading with age, Hamlin’s work ethic, honed under Joe Gibbs’ guidance, keeps him sharp against youngsters. With the No. 11 Camry humming, Junior views this as Hamlin’s window to finally hoist the trophy before Phoenix.

Fuente: https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-dale-jr-warns-connor-zilisch-with-six-word-honest-verdict-on-his-rookie-cup-run/

Dale Earnhardt Jr. advierte a Connor Zilisch con un veredicto de seis palabras sobre su debut en la Copa después de su ascenso al Campeonato NASCAR. El joven talento, pilotando el número 88 para JR Motorsports en la Xfinity Series, ha tenido un rendimiento arrollador, culminando con su novena victoria el fin de semana pasado en el Nu Way 200 en Gateway. Con siete victorias en sus últimos ocho eventos, está a un paso de romper el récord de 13 victorias en una temporada establecido por Kyle Busch en 2010, y con siete carreras restantes por disputarse, lidera la clasificación regular con una sólida ventaja. Sin embargo, el éxito de Zilisch en la Xfinity es una cosa, su salto al Campeonato NASCAR Cup en 2026 con Trackhouse Racing, junto a pilotos como Shane van Gisbergen, presenta un desafío completamente nuevo.

Él ya ha probado los aguas de la Copa esta temporada, con tres carreras, incluyendo un 11to lugar en Atlanta. Pero su paso de las Xfinity al Campeonato Cup en 2026, junto a esta nueva generación de pilotos, plantea un reto completamente diferente.

Dale Jr.’s Candid Outlook on Zilisch’s Rookie Challenges

En el más reciente episodio del podcast “Dale Jr. Download”, Dale Earnhardt Jr. no se guardó nada al evaluar la temporada inaugural de Connor Zilisch en la Copa. Hablando con los anfitriones sobre el rendimiento estelar de Zilisch en la Xfinity, Junior ofreció un veredicto de seis palabras: “first year to sort of be rough.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. señaló que la “hot and cold vibe” de Trackhouse juega un papel, diciendo: “They run the 600 fastest car there by far. And then disappear for a while.” Esta inconsistencia, vista en sus fuertes actuaciones en la Coca-Cola 600 contrastada con semanas más silenciosas en otros lugares, podría dejar a Zilisch en la media del pelotón con frecuencia a medida que se adapta. Basándose en la limitada experiencia de Connor Zilisch en la Copa, como su DNF en COTA después de colisionar con su compañero de equipo Daniel Suarez, Junior enfatizó la paciencia necesaria, al igual que Noah Gragson luchó después de su dominio en la Xfinity, logrando solo tres top-fives en dos temporadas completas en la Copa a pesar de 13 victorias en la Xfinity.

El núcleo de la cautela de Junior reside en la enorme brecha entre las máquinas Xfinity y Cup. “He’s learning an entirely new car, the short sidewall, the way this car feels, the way the car reacts and steps out, and all of those things will be very unique and different than what he’s experiencing in the Xfinity car,” explicó Junior. A diferencia de las máquinas Xfinity más indulgentes con paredes laterales más altas que permiten una conducción agresiva en las esquinas, el Next Gen Cup car exige precisión en el aire sucio y con márgenes de error más ajustados; pensemos en cómo podría golpear la pared en la salida de la curva persiguiendo el tráfico, un error común de los rookies.

Junior lo comparó con el viaje de Chase Briscoe en Stewart-Haas Racing, donde le tomó una temporada completa para “construir ese nuevo cuaderno” sobre los límites del auto sin estrellarse y ganar su primera carrera en Phoenix. Pero aún así, Briscoe, cambiando de equipos en 2025, acumuló DNF al principio antes de sincronizarse con los puestos de diez primeros; Zilisch, con cero experiencia en óvalos en la Copa más allá de pruebas de velocidad superspeedway, podría reflejar esa fase inicial en pistas como Daytona y Atlanta.

Sin embargo, Junior ve destellos de esperanza, especialmente en circuitos de carretera donde Zilisch prospera. “Wouldn’t be surprised if Connor battles for a win in a road course. I think that’s not stepping out of bounds,” anotó, reconociendo los ajustes de configuración de Shane van Gisbergen para el Next Gen car después de su propia curva de aprendizaje de año uno. SVG, quien debutó en la Copa en 2023 y ahora comprende lo que el auto necesita para ser mejor, le entregará a Zilisch una máquina afinada – potencialmente rápida desde el principio en pistas como Sonoma, donde Zilisch ya ha ganado en la Xfinity.

Aún así, Junior tempera el optimismo: “So, he’s got to build up this sort of data point or buildup… a new notebook internally about what the car’s capable of doing.” Esto resuena con la historia de Briscoe, donde evitar las roturas de los topes y los problemas con el aire sucio se tradujeron en una mejora de la consistencia. Para Zilisch, la supervivencia inteligente en un apertura como Daytona podría establecer un tono sólido, pero espere algunos puestos de 20to lugar que se convierten en paradas de pit lane no planificadas.

Como Dale Jr. desentraña estas transiciones, sus conocimientos van más allá de los rookies, para los veteranos persiguiendo la gloria en estas eliminatorias.

Dale Jr. ve a Denny Hamlin listo para su consagración en la Copa

Dale Earnhardt Jr. enfoca su podcast en las eliminatorias, centrándose en Denny Hamlin como el conductor mejor equipado para ese tan esperado campeonato. A los 44 años, Hamlin ha capturado tres victorias en el Daytona 500 y 59 victorias en la Copa, pero el título ha escapado repetidamente en finales en Phoenix, como su intento de título en 2020 en Phoenix, donde no lideró un solo lap y terminó cuarto, o su decepcionante caída en 2021 en Martinsville cuando fue derribado por Alex Bowman.

Junior elogió la evolución de Hamlin, afirmando: “Every year we say, ‘Man, this is his best shot.’ What Denny’s been able to do over the last handful of seasons to be one of the favorites, one of the contenders year after year after year. And literally every single year it seems like he’s even better.”

Esto culminó con la reciente victoria de Hamlin en Gateway, su quinta de 2025, asegurando su lugar en la ronda de 12 a pesar de los cambios de tripulación en Joe Gibbs Racing. Junior reiteró el margen de Hamlin, diciendo: “It really does feel like he’s in the best position he’s ever been in… Right now, I think we can say, maybe for the first time, that he’s the best car in the field at this point.”

A diferencia de sus pares que se desvanecen con la edad, el trabajo duro de Hamlin, forjado bajo la guía de Joe Gibbs, lo mantiene agudo contra los jóvenes. Con el No. 11 Camry funcionando a pleno rendimiento, Junior considera que esta es la ventana de oportunidad para que Hamlin finalmente alce el trofeo antes de Phoenix.

Fuente: https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-dale-jr-warns-connor-zilisch-with-six-word-honest-verdict-on-his-rookie-cup-run/

Nuevos episodios en NASCAR: Dale Jr. advierte a Connor Zilisch con 6 palabras sobre su primer año en la Copa.

Few seasons in the Xfinity Series have sparked as much buzz in the NASCAR garage as Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s young prodigy, Connor Zilisch’s 2025 campaign. Driving the No. 88 for JR Motorsports, the young talent has been on fire, notching his ninth win last weekend at Gateway in the Nu Way 200. That’s seven victories in his last eight starts, putting him on the cusp of Kyle Busch’s single-season record of 13 from 2010, with seven races still to go. His dominance has him locked in as the regular-season champion, carrying a hefty points lead into the playoffs. But Zilisch’s Xfinity success is one thing; his jump to the full-time Cup Series in 2026 with Trackhouse Racing, alongside the likes of Shane van Gisbergen, brings a whole new challenge.

He’s dipped his toe in Cup waters already this year, making three starts, including an 11th-place finish at Atlanta. But the full-time shift from Xfinity cars to the Next Gen machine, plus the brutal ovals, could test him like never before. So, how will the NASCAR Cup Series potentially shock Connor Zilisch? Let’s hear from none other than his owner and onetime crew chief, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Jr.’s candid outlook on Zilisch’s rookie challenges

On the latest episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn’t hold back when sizing up Connor Zilisch’s impending rookie year in the Cup Series. Chatting with hosts about Zilisch’s blistering Xfinity form, Junior delivered a grounded six-word verdict. “first year to sort of be rough.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. pointed out that Trackhouse’s“hot and cold vibe” plays a role, saying, “They run the 600 fastest car there by far. And then disappear for a while.” This inconsistency, seen in their strong Coca-Cola 600 showing contrasted with quieter weeks elsewhere, could leave Zilisch mid-pack often as he adjusts. Drawing from Connor Zilisch‘s limited Cup exposure, like his DNF at COTA after tangling with teammate Daniel Suarez, Junior emphasized the patience needed, much like how Noah Gragson struggled post-Xfinity dominance, managing just three top-fives in two full Cup seasons despite 13 Xfinity wins.

The core of Junior’s caution lies in the massive gap between Xfinity and Cup machinery. “He’s learning an entirely new car, the short sidewall, the way this car feels, the way the car reacts and steps out, and all of those things will be very unique and different than what he’s experiencing in the Xfinity car,” Junior explained. Unlike the more forgiving Xfinity cars with taller sidewalls that allow aggressive cornering, the Next Gen Cup car demands precision amid dirty air and tighter margins for error; think how Zilisch might slap the wall on corner exit trailing traffic, a common rookie pitfall.

Junior compared it to Chase Briscoe‘s journey at Stewart-Haas Racing, where it took a whole first season to build that“new notebook” on the car’s limits without wrecking out and winning his first race at Phoenix. But still, Briscoe, jumping teams in 2025, racked up DNFs early before clicking with top-10 runs; Zilisch, with zero oval experience at the Cup level beyond brief superspeedway tastes, could mirror that grind on tracks like Daytona and Atlanta.

Still, Junior sees bright spots, especially on road courses where Zilisch thrives.“Wouldn’t be surprised if Connor battles for a win in a road course. I think that’s not stepping out of bounds,” he noted, crediting Shane van Gisbergen‘s setup tweaks for the Next Gen car after his own year-one learning curve. SVG, who debuted in the Cup in 2023 and now understands what the car needs to be better, will hand Zilisch a dialed-in machine — potentially fast from the jump at tracks like Sonoma, where Zilisch has already won in Xfinity.

Yet Junior tempered optimism:“So, he’s got to build up this sort of data point or buildup… a new notebook internally about what the car’s capable of doing.” This echoes Briscoe’s story, where avoiding toe-link breaks and bad-air mishaps turned a rough start into consistency. For Zilisch, smart survival in an opener like Daytona could set a solid tone, but expect some 20th-place runs turning into unplanned pit stops.

As Dale Jr. unpacks these transitions, his insights extend beyond rookies to the veterans chasing glory in these playoffs.

Dale Jr. sees Denny Hamlin poised for Cup breakthrough

Dale Earnhardt Jr. turned his podcast lens to the playoffs, zeroing in on Denny Hamlin as the driver best equipped for that long-sought championship. At 44, Hamlin has grabbed three Daytona 500s and 59 Cup wins, but the title has slipped away in finals at Phoenix time and again, like his 2020 title run in Phoenix, where he failed to lead a single lap and finished fourth, or 2021’s late-race fade at Martinsville when he was spun out by Alex Bowman.

Junior praised Hamlin’s evolution, stating,“Every year we say, ‘Man, this is his best shot.’ What Denny’s been able to do over the last handful of seasons to be one of the favorites, one of the contenders year after year after year. And literally every single year it seems like he’s even better.”

This build-up culminated in Hamlin’s recent Gateway win, his fifth of 2025, clinching a Round of 12 spot despite Joe Gibbs Racing‘s crew shake-ups. Junior doubled down on Hamlin’s edge, saying, “It really does feel like he’s in the best position he’s ever been in… Right now, I think we can say, maybe for the first time, that he’s the best car in the field at this point.”

Unlike peers fading with age, Hamlin’s work ethic, honed under Joe Gibbs’ guidance, keeps him sharp against youngsters. With the No. 11 Camry humming, Junior views this as Hamlin’s window to finally hoist the trophy before Phoenix.

Fuente: https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-dale-jr-warns-connor-zilisch-with-six-word-honest-verdict-on-his-rookie-cup-run/

Few seasons in the Xfinity Series have sparked as much buzz in the NASCAR garage as Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s young prodigy, Connor Zilisch’s 2025 campaign. Driving the No. 88 for JR Motorsports, the young talent has been on fire, notching his ninth win last weekend at Gateway in the Nu Way 200. That’s seven victories in his last eight starts, putting him on the cusp of Kyle Busch’s single-season record of 13 from 2010, with seven races still to go. His dominance has him locked in as the regular-season champion, carrying a hefty points lead into the playoffs. But Zilisch’s Xfinity success is one thing; his jump to the full-time Cup Series in 2026 with Trackhouse Racing, alongside the likes of Shane van Gisbergen, brings a whole new challenge.

He’s dipped his toe in Cup waters already this year, making three starts, including an 11th-place finish at Atlanta. But the full-time shift from Xfinity cars to the Next Gen machine, plus the brutal ovals, could test him like never before. So, how will the NASCAR Cup Series potentially shock Connor Zilisch? Let’s hear from none other than his owner and onetime crew chief, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Jr.’s candid outlook on Zilisch’s rookie challenges

On the latest episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn’t hold back when sizing up Connor Zilisch’s impending rookie year in the Cup Series. Chatting with hosts about Zilisch’s blistering Xfinity form, Junior delivered a grounded six-word verdict. “First year to sort of be rough.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. pointed out that Trackhouse’s “hot and cold vibe” plays a role, saying, “They run the 600 fastest car there by far. And then disappear for a while.” This inconsistency, seen in their strong Coca-Cola 600 showing contrasted with quieter weeks elsewhere, could leave Zilisch mid-pack often as he adjusts. Drawing from Connor Zilisch‘s limited Cup exposure, like his DNF at COTA after tangling with teammate Daniel Suarez, Junior emphasized the patience needed, much like how Noah Gragson struggled post-Xfinity dominance, managing just three top-fives in two full Cup seasons despite 13 Xfinity wins.

The core of Junior’s caution lies in the massive gap between Xfinity and Cup machinery. “He’s learning an entirely new car, the short sidewall, the way this car feels, the way the car reacts and steps out, and all of those things will be very unique and different than what he’s experiencing in the Xfinity car,” Junior explained. Unlike the more forgiving Xfinity cars with taller sidewalls that allow aggressive cornering, the Next Gen Cup car demands precision amid dirty air and tighter margins for error; think how Zilisch might slap the wall on corner exit trailing traffic, a common rookie pitfall.

Junior compared it to Chase Briscoe‘s journey at Stewart-Haas Racing, where it took a whole first season to build that “new notebook” on the car’s limits without wrecking out and winning his first race at Phoenix. But still, Briscoe, jumping teams in 2025, racked up DNFs early before clicking with top-10 runs; Zilisch, with zero oval experience at the Cup level beyond brief superspeedway tastes, could mirror that grind on tracks like Daytona and Atlanta.

Still, Junior sees bright spots, especially on road courses where Zilisch thrives. “Wouldn’t be surprised if Connor battles for a win in a road course. I think that’s not stepping out of bounds,” he noted, crediting Shane van Gisbergen‘s setup tweaks for the Next Gen car after his own year-one learning curve. SVG, who debuted in the Cup in 2023 and now understands what the car needs to be better, will hand Zilisch a dialed-in machine — potentially fast from the jump at tracks like Sonoma, where Zilisch has already won in Xfinity.

Yet Junior tempered optimism: “So, he’s got to build up this sort of data point or buildup… a new notebook internally about what the car’s capable of doing.” This echoes Briscoe’s story, where avoiding toe-link breaks and bad-air mishaps turned a rough start into consistency. For Zilisch, smart survival in an opener like Daytona could set a solid tone, but expect some 20th-place runs turning into unplanned pit stops.

As Dale Jr. unpacks these transitions, his insights extend beyond rookies to the veterans chasing glory in these playoffs.

Dale Jr. sees Denny Hamlin poised for Cup breakthrough

Dale Earnhardt Jr. turned his podcast lens to the playoffs, zeroing in on Denny Hamlin as the driver best equipped for that long-sought championship. At 44, Hamlin has grabbed three Daytona 500s and 59 Cup wins, but the title has slipped away in finals at Phoenix time and again, like his 2020 title run in Phoenix, where he failed to lead a single lap and finished fourth, or 2021’s late-race fade at Martinsville when he was spun out by Alex Bowman.

Junior praised Hamlin’s evolution, stating, “Every year we say, ‘Man, this is his best shot.’ What Denny’s been able to do over the last handful of seasons to be one of the favorites, one of the contenders year after year after year. And literally every single year it seems like he’s even better.”

This build-up culminated in Hamlin’s recent Gateway win, his fifth of 2025, clinching a Round of 12 spot despite Joe Gibbs Racing’s crew shake-ups. Junior doubled down on Hamlin’s edge, saying, “It really does feel like he’s in the best position he’s ever been in… Right now, I think we can say, maybe for the first time, that he’s the best car in the field at this point.”

Unlike peers fading with age, Hamlin’s work ethic, honed under Joe Gibbs’ guidance, keeps him sharp against youngsters. With the No. 11 Camry humming, Junior views this as Hamlin’s window to finally hoist the trophy before Phoenix.

Fuente: https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-dale-jr-warns-connor-zilisch-with-six-word-honest-verdict-on-his-rookie-cup-run/