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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/

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/

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

NASCAR is buzzing around Connor Zilisch’s breakout 2025 season in the Xfinity Series, particularly his nine victories, including the last one at Gateway. The young talent’s dominance has secured him the regular-season championship and a strong position for the playoffs, but his impending jump to the full-time Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing presents a significant challenge. NASCAR Cup Series veteran Dale Earnhardt Jr. offered a candid six-word assessment of Zilisch’s upcoming rookie year.

“First year to sort of be rough.”

Junior highlighted Trackhouse’s “hot and cold vibe,” noting their tendency to perform exceptionally well in certain races while struggling in others. This inconsistency, exemplified by their strong showing at the Coca-Cola 600 contrasted with quieter weeks elsewhere, could leave Zilisch battling mid-pack. Drawing from Zilisch’s limited Cup exposure, including his DNF at COTA and his experience with Daniel Suarez, Junior emphasized the need for patience, mirroring Noah Gragson’s struggles post-Xfinity dominance.

The core of Junior’s caution lies in the immense 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, the Next Gen Cup car demands precision amidst dirty air and tighter margins for error; Zilisch might slap the wall on corner exit trailing traffic, a common rookie pitfall.

He compared Zilisch’s journey to that of Chase Briscoe’s at Stewart-Haas Racing, where it took a whole first season to build a “new notebook” on the car’s limits without wrecking out and winning his first race at Phoenix. However, 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.

Despite these challenges, Junior sees bright spots, particularly 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.

Dale Jr. also offered insights into the playoffs, specifically identifying Denny Hamlin as the driver best equipped for a championship run. Hamlin’s evolution over the past few seasons has positioned him as a consistent contender, and his recent Gateway win solidified his position in the Round of 12.

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 pit stop.

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/

Nuevos episodios de la NASCAR parecen surgir más de lo que se pueden contar, y la aparición de Connor Zilisch en la Copa en 2026 promete ser una temporada llena de acontecimientos. Después de pocas temporadas en la Serie Xfinity que han desatado tanta conmoción en el taller de NASCAR, la carrera de 2025 de Zilisch en el No. 88 para JR Motorsports ha sido un éxito, con su noveno triunfo el fin de semana pasado en Gateway en la Carrera Nu Way 200. Esto lo ha colocado con siete victorias en sus últimos ocho eventos, acercándolo al récord de 13 de Kyle Busch de 2010, con siete carreras restantes por disputarse. Su dominio lo ha consolidado como el campeón de la temporada regular, con una considerable ventaja de puntos para entrar en los playoffs. Pero el éxito de Zilisch en la Xfinity es algo; su salto al Campeonato de Copa en 2026 con Trackhouse Racing, junto a pilotos como Shane van Gisbergen, presenta un desafío completamente nuevo.

Está ya “probando” el Campeonato de Copa este año, con tres carreras, incluyendo un 11º lugar en Atlanta. Pero el paso al Campeonato de Copa de las Series Xfinity a las máquinas de Copa, más las pistas ovales brutales, podrían ponerlo a prueba como nunca antes. Así que, ¿cómo podría el Campeonato Nacional de NASCAR sorprender a Connor Zilisch? Escuchemos a su dueño y antiguo jefe de equipo, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

La perspectiva sincera de Dale Jr. sobre los desafíos de novato de Zilisch

En el último episodio del podcast Dale Jr. Download, Dale Earnhardt Jr. no se guardó nada cuando evaluó el año debut de Connor Zilisch en la Copa. Hablando con los anfitriones sobre el formato de Zilisch en la Xfinity, Junior entregó un veredicto de seis palabras: “el primer año para ser algo así como difícil”.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. señaló que el “ambiente en caliente y en frío” de Trackhouse juega un papel, diciendo: “Conduce el 600 más rápido coche ahí por lejos. Y luego desaparece por un tiempo”. Esta inconsistencia, vista en su fuerte actuación en la Carrera Coca-Cola 600 contrastada con semanas más silenciosas, podría dejar a Zilisch en la mitad del grupo a menudo a medida que se adapta. Basándose en la limitada experiencia de Cup de Connor Zilisch, como su DNF en COTA después de chocar con su compañero de equipo Daniel Suárez, Junior enfatizó la paciencia necesaria, al igual que Noah Gragson tuvo problemas después de su dominio en la Xfinity, logrando solo tres quintos en dos temporadas completas de Cup a pesar de 13 victorias en la Xfinity.

El núcleo de la precaución de Junior radica en la enorme brecha entre la Xfinity y las máquinas de Cup. “Está aprendiendo un coche completamente nuevo, el lateral estrecho, la forma en que este coche se siente, la forma en que el coche reacciona y da pasos, y todos esos serán muy únicos y diferentes a lo que está experimentando en la Serie Xfinity”, explicó Junior. A diferencia de las máquinas de Xfinity más indulgentes con lados estrechos que permiten una conducción agresiva en las esquinas, el próximo coche de Cup de la Copa exige precisión en el aire sucio y márgenes de error más ajustados; piensen en cómo podría dar un golpe en la salida de la curva siguiendo el tráfico, un tropo común para los novatos en los pitstops.

Conexión con Chase Briscoe

Junior lo comparó con el viaje de Chase Briscoe en Stewart-Haas Racing, donde tomó toda una primera temporada para crear ese “nuevo cuaderno” sobre los límites del coche sin derribarse y ganar su primera carrera en Phoenix. Pero todavía, Briscoe, cambiando de equipo en 2025, acumuló DNF al principio antes de conectar con resultados en los 10 primeros lugares. Zilisch, con cero experiencia en circuitos ovales a nivel de Cup más allá de pruebas de velocidad máxima, podría reflejar ese ritmo en pistas como Daytona y Atlanta.

Aún así, Junior ve puntos brillantes, especialmente en los circuitos cerrados donde Zilisch prospera. “No sería sorprendente que Connor compitiera por una victoria en un circuito cerrado. Creo que no está saliendo de los límites”, notó, refiriéndose a los ajustes de configuración de Shane van Gisbergen para el próximo coche de la Copa después de su propia curva de aprendizaje del primer año. SVG, quien debutó en la Copa en 2023 y ahora entiende lo que necesita el coche para ser mejor, entregará a Zilisch una máquina afinada – potencialmente rápida desde el principio en pistas como Sonoma, donde Zilisch ya ha ganado en la Xfinity.

Sin embargo, Junior tienta el optimismo: “Así que tiene que construir este tipo de punto de datos o construcción… un nuevo cuaderno internamente sobre lo que puede hacer el coche”. Esto hace eco de la historia de Briscoe, donde evitar las roturas de los vínculos y los problemas de aire sucio transformó un comienzo difícil en consistencia. Para Zilisch, una supervivencia inteligente en un evento inicial como Daytona podría establecer un tono sólido, pero espere algunas carreras de 20º lugar que se conviertan en paradas inesperadas en los pitstops.

Mientras Dale Jr. desglosa estas transiciones, sus conocimientos se extienden más allá de los novatos a los veteranos persiguiendo la gloria en estos playoffs.

Dale Jr. ve a Denny Hamlin listo para un brote de Copa

Dale Earnhardt Jr. giró su lente del podcast a los playoffs, centrándose en Denny Hamlin como el conductor mejor equipado para ese título buscado. Con 44 años, Hamlin ha obtenido tres Copas de Daytona 500 y 59 victorias en la Copa, pero el título se ha escapado en finales en Phoenix una y otra vez, como su intento de título de 2020 en Phoenix, donde no lideró un solo lazo y terminó cuarto, o el desvanecimiento de 2021 en Martinsville cuando fue derribado por Alex Bowman.

Junior elogió la evolución de Hamlin, diciendo: “Cada año decimos: ‘El hombre, esta es su mejor oportunidad’. Lo que Hamlin ha podido hacer en las últimas semanas para ser uno de los favoritos, uno de los contendientes año tras año tras año. Y literalmente cada año parece que está incluso mejor”.

Esto culminó con la reciente victoria de Hamlin en Gateway, su quinta de 2025, que le dio un lugar en la Ronda de 12 a pesar de las alteraciones en el equipo Joe Gibbs. Junior reforzó el bocado de Hamlin, diciendo: “Realmente se siente como si estuviera en la mejor posición que ha estado jamás, al menos en este momento, puede que sea por primera vez que digamos, que es el mejor coche en el campo en este punto”. A diferencia de los colegas que están desvaneciéndose con la edad, el ética de trabajo de Hamlin, perfeccionada bajo la guía de Joe Gibbs, lo mantiene afilado contra los jóvenes. Con el No. 11 Camry funcionando, Junior ve esto como la ventana de Hamlin para finalmente alzar 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’s buzz surrounding Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s young prodigy, Connor Zilisch’s, 2025 campaign in the Xfinity Series, has been immense. Driving the No. 88 for JR Motorsports, Zilisch has ignited the garage with nine victories, including last weekend’s triumph at Gateway in the Nu Way 200, putting him on the cusp of Kyle Busch’s single-season record of 13 from 2010, with seven races remaining. His dominance has secured him the regular-season championship, carrying a significant points lead into the playoffs. However, Zilisch’s jump to the full-time Cup Series in 2026 with Trackhouse Racing, alongside Shane van Gisbergen, presents a wholly new challenge.

He’s already dipped his toes into Cup waters this year, achieving an 11th-place finish at Atlanta, but the transition from Xfinity cars to the Next Gen machine, coupled with 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 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/

Nuevas temporadas en la Serie Xfinity han generado tanta expectación como el ascenso de Connor Zilisch a la Serie Cup en 2025, impulsado por su exitosa campaña. Pilotando el No. 88 para JR Motorsports, el joven talento ha encendido, consiguiendo su novena victoria el fin de semana pasado en Gateway en el Nu Way 200. Esto representa siete victorias en sus últimos ocho eventos, colocando al joven a un paso de Kyle Busch’s récord de 13 victorias en la temporada de 2010, con siete carreras restantes por disputarse. Su dominio lo ha solidificado como el campeón regular de la temporada, llevando una importante ventaja de puntos hacia los playoffs. Pero el éxito de Zilisch en la Xfinity es una cosa; su salto al circuito completo de la Serie Cup en 2026, junto a nombres como Shane van Gisbergen, presenta un nuevo desafío.

Él ya ha dado sus primeros pasos en la Serie Cup este año, consiguiendo tres carreras, incluyendo un undécimo lugar en Atlanta. Pero el cambio completo de la Xfinity a la Next Gen machine, combinado con los brutales circuitos ovales, podrían ponerlo a prueba como nunca antes. Así que, ¿cómo podría la Serie Cup sorprender a Connor Zilisch? Escuchemos a su dueño y ex jefe de equipo, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

La Perspectiva Candid de Dale Jr. sobre los Desafíos de Zilisch

En el más reciente episodio del podcast Dale Jr. Download, Dale Earnhardt Jr. no guardó nada cuando evaluó la temporada inaugural de Connor Zilisch en la Serie Cup. Hablando con los anfitriones sobre el desempeño explosivo de Zilisch en la Xfinity, Junior entregó una veredicto de seis palabras. *”primero año para que sea algo difícil”*

Dale Earnhardt Jr. señaló que el “ambiente de altibajos” de Trackhouse juega un papel, diciendo, *”Conduce el 600 más rápido del coche allí por lejos. Y luego desaparece por un tiempo.”* Esta inconsistencia, vista en su fuerte desempeño en el Coca-Cola 600, contrastada con semanas más tranquilas en otros lugares, podría dejar a Zilisch en la mitad de la parrilla con frecuencia mientras se adapta. Basándose en la limitada experiencia de Connor Zilisch en la Cup, como su DNF en COTA después de chocar con su compañero de equipo Daniel Suarez, Junior enfatizó la paciencia necesaria, al igual que Noah Gragson tuvo dificultades después de su dominio en la Xfinity, consiguiendo solo tres quintos lugares en dos temporadas completas en la Cup a pesar de 13 victorias en la Xfinity.

El núcleo de la precaución de Junior reside en la enorme brecha entre la Xfinity y la Serie Cup. *”Él está aprendiendo un coche completamente nuevo, la pequeña lateral, la forma en que este coche se siente, la forma en que el coche reacciona y da pasos, y todos estos factores serán muy únicos y diferentes a lo que está experimentando en la Xfinity.”* Junior explicó. A diferencia de la Xfinity más indulgente con mayor espacio lateral que permite una conducción agresiva en las esquinas, la Next Gen Cup machine exige precisión en el aire sucio y márgenes de error más ajustados; como podría dar un golpe al muro en la salida de la curva siguiendo el tráfico, un error común para los novatos en los pits.

Figura: 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 lo comparó con el viaje de Chase Briscoe en Stewart-Haas Racing, donde tomó una temporada entera para construir ese *”nuevo cuaderno”* en los límites del coche, sin accidentes y ganando su primera carrera en Phoenix. Pero aun así, Briscoe, cambiando de equipos en 2025, acumuló DNF’s al principio antes de sincronizarse con los 10 primeros lugares; Zilisch, con cero experiencia en ovales a nivel de Cup más allá de gustos de velocidad superestrecha, podría reflejar ese esfuerzo en pistas como Daytona y Atlanta.

Aún así, Junior ve puntos brillantes, especialmente en circuitos de calle donde Zilisch prospera. *”No estaría sorprendido de que Connor dispute una victoria en un circuito de calle. Creo que no es salirse de los límites”* , notó, reconociendo los ajustes de configuración de Shane van Gisbergen para la Next Gen machine después de su propia curva de aprendizaje de primer año. SVG, quien debutó en la Cup en 2023 y ahora entiende lo que el coche necesita para mejorar, dará a Zilisch una máquina afinada – potencialmente rápida desde el principio en pistas como Sonoma, donde Zilisch ya ha ganado en la Xfinity.

Sin embargo, Junior atenuó el optimismo: *”Así que él tiene que construir un punto de datos o acumulación… un nuevo cuaderno internamente sobre lo que es capaz de hacer el coche.”* Esto eco de la historia de Briscoe, donde evitar las rupturas de enlace y los problemas en la niebla mala se convirtieron en consistencia. Para Zilisch, una supervivencia inteligente en un debut como Daytona podría sentar un tono sólido, pero espera algunos resultados de 20to lugar convirtiéndose en paradas inesperadas de los pits.

Como Dale Jr. desentraña estas transiciones, sus ideas van más allá de los novatos a los veteranos persiguiendo la gloria en estos playoffs.

Dale Jr. ve a Denny Hamlin listo para un ascenso a la Serie Cup

Dale Earnhardt Jr. orientó su podcast a los playoffs, enfocándose en Denny Hamlin como el conductor mejor equipado para ese ansiado campeonato. A los 44 años, Hamlin ha conseguido tres victorias en el Gran Premio de Daytona y 59 victorias en la Serie Cup, pero el título ha escapado en finales en Phoenix repetidamente, como su intento de título en 2020 en Phoenix, donde no lideró un solo lap y terminó cuarto, o el desvanecimiento tardío en 2021 en Martinsville cuando fue derribado por Alex Bowman.

Junior elogió la evolución de Hamlin, diciendo: *”Cada año decimos: ‘Hombre, este es su mejor oportunidad’. Lo que Hamlin ha logrado en las últimas temporadas para ser uno de los favoritos, uno de los contendientes año tras año tras año. Y literalmente cada año parece que incluso está mejor”.*

Esto culminó en la victoria de Hamlin en Gateway, su quinta de 2025, asegurando un lugar en el Grupo de 12 a pesar de los cambios en el equipo de Joe Gibbs Racing. Junior reforzó el argumento de Hamlin, diciendo: *”Realmente se siente como si estuviera en la mejor posición en la que ha estado alguna vez… Ahora, podemos decir que, por primera vez, que es el mejor coche en el campo en este momento.”*

A diferencia de sus pares que se debilitan con la edad, la ética de trabajo de Hamlin, moldeada bajo la guía de Joe Gibbs, lo mantiene afilado contra los jóvenes. Con el No. 11 Camry funcionando, 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/

Dale Earnhardt Jr. doesn’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 pit stop.

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/