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Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s young prodigy, Connor Zilisch’s 2025 campaign in the Xfinity Series has sparked considerable buzz in the NASCAR garage. Driving the No. 88 for JR Motorsports, the talented rookie notched his ninth victory last weekend at Gateway in the Nu Way 200. This brought his total to seven wins in his last eight starts, placing him on the cusp of Kyle Busch’s single-season record of 13 from 2010, with seven races still remaining. His dominance has secured him the regular-season championship, carrying a significant points lead into the playoffs. However, Zilisch’s Xfinity success represents one thing; his jump to the full-time Cup Series in 2026 with Trackhouse Racing, alongside Shane van Gisbergen, presents a whole new challenge.

He has already gained Cup Series experience, participating in three starts, including an 11th-place finish at Atlanta. The full-time shift from Xfinity cars to the Next Gen machine, coupled with the demanding oval tracks, could present significant hurdles. So, how will the NASCAR Cup Series potentially shock Connor Zilisch? Let’s hear from none other than his owner and former 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 assessing 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, stating, “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 frequently 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/

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 about Connor Zilisch’s rapid ascent through the ranks, particularly after his nine victories in the last eight Xfinity Series starts, including a dominant performance at Gateway last weekend. The young driver, piloting the No. 88 for JR Motorsports, is on the cusp of breaking Kyle Busch’s single-season record of 13 wins from 2010, with seven races remaining in the Xfinity season. However, Zilisch’s imminent jump to the full-time Cup Series in 2026 with Trackhouse Racing presents a significant challenge.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s candid assessment of Zilisch’s rookie Cup Series year offers a realistic perspective. During the latest episode of his “Dale Jr. Download” podcast, Junior delivered a six-word verdict: “first year to sort of be rough.”

Jr. pointed out Trackhouse’s “hot and cold vibe,” noting that the team’s car can be exceptionally fast—as seen in their strong Coca-Cola 600 showing—but then disappear for extended periods. This inconsistency could leave Zilisch struggling for position as he adapts to the Cup Series. Drawing parallels to Noah Gragson’s experience, where dominance in Xfinity failed to translate into consistent Cup success, Junior emphasized the patience required.

The core challenge lies in the considerable gap between Xfinity and Cup machinery. Junior explained that Zilisch is learning a completely new car, including the short sidewalls, the car’s handling characteristics, and the impact of dirty air. Unlike the more forgiving Xfinity cars, the Next Gen Cup car demands precision and can lead to mistakes, potentially resulting in contact with the wall, a common rookie pitfall.

Comparing Zilisch’s journey to that of Chase Briscoe’s initial season at Stewart-Haas Racing, where it took an entire year to build a “new notebook” of the car’s limits without wrecks or major errors, Junior highlights the learning curve. Briscoe, also making a team jump in 2025, initially experienced frequent DNFs before finding consistency. Zilisch, lacking oval experience at the Cup level beyond limited superspeedway outings, could mirror this process, particularly on tracks like Daytona and Atlanta.

Despite these challenges, Junior sees potential, especially on road courses. “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, referencing Shane van Gisbergen’s setup adjustments 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, asserting that Zilisch “has to build up this sort of data point or buildup… a new notebook internally about what the car’s capable of doing.”

Looking beyond Zilisch’s rookie year, Junior also analyzed the playoff picture. He identified Denny Hamlin as the driver best positioned to contend for the championship. At 44, Hamlin has secured three Daytona 500s and 59 Cup wins, but the elusive championship has slipped away in finals at Phoenix time and again. 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, securing a Round of 12 spot despite Joe Gibbs Racing’s crew shake-ups. Junior doubled down on Hamlin’s edge, stating, “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

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/

Dale Earnhardt Jr. ha lanzado un veredicto de seis palabras sobre las expectativas para la temporada inaugural de Connor Zilisch en la Serie Cup, advirtiendo que “el primer año será algo desordenado”. El comentario, dado en el podcast “Dale Jr. Download”, surge tras el éxito de Zilisch en la Serie Xfinity, donde consiguió nueve victorias, incluyendo la última en el Nu Way 200 en Gateway. La temporada de 2025 ha mostrado a un joven prodigio en ascenso, y la transición a la Serie Cup representa un desafío considerable.

La clave del aviso de Earnhardt radica en la drástica diferencia entre la Serie Xfinity y la Serie Cup. Zilisch, pilotando el No. 88 para JR Motorsports, está forzando una adaptación a un nuevo coche, específicamente a las paredes laterales más estrechas y a las reacciones de la máquina. Esto es significativamente diferente al coche Xfinity, que ofrece mayor espacio y tolerancia.

Durante su análisis, Earnhardt utilizó la experiencia de Chase Briscoe en Stewart-Haas Racing como un punto de referencia. Briscoe, al cambiar de equipo en 2025, necesitó una temporada completa para “crear su nuevo cuaderno” en el coche, documentando sus límites y el rendimiento. Se espera que Zilisch experimente un proceso similar, caracterizado por los primeros tropiezos y las dificultades antes de encontrar la consistencia.

Earnhardt señaló la “actitud cambiante” de Trackhouse Racing, en la que su coche puede ser increíblemente rápido, como lo demuestran sus impresionantes resultados en el Coca-Cola 600, pero luego desaparecer durante un tiempo. Esta inconsistencia podría dejar a Zilisch en posiciones mediocres y hará que ajuste continuamente su estrategia.

Si bien reconoce la promesa de Zilisch, especialmente en pistas de calle, Earnhardt enfatiza la necesidad de recopilar datos y construir una “nueva base de datos interna” sobre las capacidades del coche. Esto es crucial para evitar errores comunes de los novatos, como las roturas de los tirantes o los problemas relacionados con el aire sucio, que podrían provocar paradas inesperadas en el pit.

Tras la explicación de Earnhardt, se le le dio espacio para analizar las esperanzas de otros pilotos con posibilidades de ganar el campeonato, particularmente a Denny Hamlin. Considerado como uno de los competidores más constantes, Hamlin ha estado en las filas de los favoritos durante varias temporadas. Sin embargo, ha estado perdiendo el campeonato en las últimas etapas en pistas como Phoenix. Este año, sin embargo, Hamlin ganó el Gran Premio de Gateway, asegurando su lugar en la Ronda de 12, a pesar de los cambios de personal en la tripulación de Joe Gibbs Racing. Earnhardt cree que este es el momento ideal para Hamlin, afirmando que “se siente como si estuviera en la mejor posición que ha estado en su carrera”. También señaló que su ética de trabajo, bajo la dirección de Joe Gibbs, lo mantiene a la vanguardia, a pesar de la edad.

A pesar de las advertencias, Earnhardt también vio aspectos positivos en la capacidad de Zilisch para destacar en las pistas de calle, previendo que podría competir por la victoria en carreras de este tipo. Su desempeño con Shane van Gisbergen, que también estaba experimentando con el coche de nueva generación, también le brindó optimismo. Sin embargo, enfatizó la importancia de que Zilisch “construya un punto de datos” o “una nueva base de datos interna” sobre las capacidades del coche. Esto refleja la experiencia de Briscoe, quien al principio tuvo dificultades antes de encontrar la consistencia, y es crucial para el éxito de Zilisch en la Serie Cup.

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

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.

Comparing 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 about Connor Zilisch’s remarkable rise through the ranks, particularly his dominant 2025 campaign driving the No. 88 for JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series. The young talent has racked up nine victories in his last eight starts, including a recent win at Gateway, putting him on the cusp of a potential single-season record, just seven races remaining. This success has secured him the regular-season championship with a significant points lead heading into the playoffs. However, Zilisch’s transition to the full-time Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing in 2026 presents a considerably greater challenge.

He has already participated in three Cup Series races, culminating in an 11th-place finish at Atlanta. Moving from Xfinity cars to the Next Gen machine, combined with the demanding nature of oval racing, could prove exceptionally difficult. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Zilisch’s owner and former crew chief, offered a blunt assessment: “First year to sort of be rough.”

Jr. emphasized that Trackhouse Racing’s “hot and cold vibe” – characterized by bursts of exceptional performance followed by periods of inconsistency – could hinder Zilisch’s progress. The team’s strong showing at the Coca-Cola 600 contrasted sharply with quieter races elsewhere, potentially leading to mid-pack results as Zilisch adjusts to the car’s behavior. Drawing on Zilisch’s limited Cup experience, including a DNF at COTA due to a collision with teammate Daniel Suarez, Jr. stressed the need for patience. He referenced Noah Gragson’s struggle post-Xfinity dominance, resulting in just three top-five finishes in two full Cup seasons despite 13 Xfinity victories.

The core challenge for Zilisch lies in the substantial gap between Xfinity and Cup machinery. Jr. explained, “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.” 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 situation that could lead to rookie mistakes, such as wall contact on corner exits.

Jr. compared Zilisch’s situation to that of Chase Briscoe at Stewart-Haas Racing, where it took a full season to establish a “new notebook” – a comprehensive understanding of the car’s limits – without wrecking and winning his first race at Phoenix. However, Briscoe, also making a team switch in 2025, experienced early DNFs before finding consistency. Zilisch, lacking oval experience at the Cup level beyond brief superspeedway stints, could mirror this challenging start.

Despite these concerns, Jr. noted potential strengths, particularly on road courses, where Zilisch has already demonstrated success in Xfinity. He suggested, “Wouldn’t be surprised if Connor battles for a win in a road course. I think that’s not stepping out of bounds.” He cited Shane van Gisbergen’s (SVG) setup tweaks for the Next Gen car after his own year-one learning curve, noting SVG’s successful debut in the Cup Series in 2023. SVG, who now understands the car’s nuances, will provide Zilisch with a dialed-in machine, potentially leading to immediate speed at tracks like Sonoma, where Zilisch has already won in Xfinity.

Ultimately, Jr. cautioned against excessive 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 experience, emphasizing the importance of avoiding toe-link breaks and bad-air mishaps. For Zilisch, a smart survival in the opener, like Daytona, could set a solid tone, but anticipate 20th-place runs potentially leading to unplanned pit stops.

Beyond Zilisch’s rookie challenges, Dale Jr. focused on Denny Hamlin as the driver best positioned for a championship breakthrough. Hamlin, 44 years old, has secured three Daytona 500 victories and 59 Cup wins over the past few seasons, but has consistently fallen short in the final races, such as his 2020 and 2021 title runs at Phoenix.

Jr. 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 culminated in Hamlin’s recent Gateway victory, securing a Round of 12 spot despite JGR crew shake-ups. Jr. doubled down on Hamlin’s advantage, 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 aging peers, Hamlin’s work ethic, honed under Joe Gibbs’ guidance, maintains his sharpness against younger drivers. With the No. 11 Camry running smoothly, Jr. 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

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 en la Xfinity Series han desatado tanta movilización en el garaje de NASCAR como el prodigio de Dale Earnhardt Jr., la campaña de 2025 de Connor Zilisch. Conducir el No. 88 para JR Motorsports, el joven talento ha estado de infarto, logrando su novena victoria el fin de semana pasado en Gateway en el Nu Way 200. Eso son siete victorias en sus últimos ocho inicios, colocándolo en la encrucijada del récord de una temporada de Kyle Busch de 13 de 2010, con siete carreras restantes. Su dominio lo tiene fijado como el campeón de la temporada regular, con una importante ventaja en puntos para los playoffs. Pero el éxito de Zilisch en Xfinity es algo; su salto a la Copa en 2026 con Trackhouse Racing, junto con figuras como Shane van Gisbergen, presenta un nuevo desafío por completo.

Él ha dado un paso de prueba en las aguas de la Copa ya este año, haciendo tres inicios, incluido un 11º lugar en Atlanta. Pero el cambio completo de Xfinity a la máquina Next Gen, más las pistas ovales brutales, podrían ponerlo a prueba como nunca antes. ¿Cómo podría sorprender potencialmente la Copa a Connor Zilisch? Escuchemos a ninguno más que a su propietario 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 se guardó nada cuando evaluaba los próximos desafíos de Zilisch en la Copa. Hablando con los anfitriones sobre la forma de infarto de Zilisch en Xfinity, Junior entregó un veredicto de seis palabras: “el primer año será un poco difícil”.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. señaló que Trackhouse’s “ambiente de altibajos” juega un papel, diciendo, “Conduce el 600 más rápido coche por lejos. Y luego desaparece por un tiempo”. Esta inconsistencia, vista en su fuerte desempeño en la Coca-Cola 600 contrastada con semanas más silenciosas en otro lugar, podría dejar a Zilisch en la media por lo general mientras se ajusta. Basándose en la limitada exposición de Cup de Connor Zilisch, como su DNF en COTA después de enredarse con su compañero de equipo Daniel Suárez, Junior enfatizó la paciencia necesaria, al igual que Noah Gragson tuvo problemas después de su dominio en Xfinity, consiguiendo solo tres quintos en dos temporadas completas de Cup, a pesar de 13 victorias en Xfinity.

El núcleo de la cautela de Junior radica en la enorme brecha entre los coches de Xfinity y los de la Copa. “Está aprendiendo un coche completamente nuevo, la muesca lateral, la forma en que este coche se siente, la forma en que el coche reacciona y da pasos, y todos esos factores serán muy únicos y diferentes a lo que está experimentando en el coche de Xfinity”, explicó Junior. A diferencia de los coches de Xfinity más indulgentes con muescas laterales más altas que permiten una conducción agresiva en las esquinas, el coche Next Gen de la Copa exige precisión en el aire sucio y márgenes de error más ajustados; piense en cómo Zilisch podría golpear la pared en la salida de la esquina, un error común de los novatos, una trampa común de los novatos en los pits.

Comparación con Chase Briscoe

Junior lo comparó con el viaje de Chase Briscoe en Stewart-Haas Racing, donde le tomó una temporada completa para construir ese “nuevo cuaderno” en el coche sobre los límites de la máquina sin derribar y ganando su primera carrera en Phoenix. Pero aun así, Briscoe, que cambió de equipos en 2025, acumuló DNF al principio antes de conectarse con carreras décimos lugares; Zilisch, con cero experiencia en ovales a nivel de Copa más allá de los gustos superspeedway, podría reflejar ese arduo trabajo en pistas como Daytona y Atlanta.

Todavía ve puntos brillantes, especialmente en pistas de circuito cerrado donde Zilisch brilla. “No estaría sorprendido de que Connor compita por una victoria en un circuito cerrado. Creo que eso no es salir de los límites”, señaló. SVG, quien debutó en la Copa en 2023 y ahora entiende lo que necesita el coche para ser mejor, tendrá a Zilisch una máquina afinada —potencialmente rápida desde el principio en pistas como Sonoma, donde Zilisch ya ha ganado en Xfinity.

Aún así, Junior tempera el optimismo: “Así que él tiene que construir este tipo de punto de datos o construcción… un nuevo cuaderno internamente sobre lo que es capaz de hacer el coche”. Esto eco la historia de Briscoe, donde evitar las roturas de los enlaces y los problemas con el aire sucio transformaron un comienzo difícil en consistencia. Para Zilisch, la supervivencia inteligente en un abridor como Daytona podría establecer un tono sólido, pero espere algunas carreras décimos lugares convirtiéndose en paradas de pit en el camino.

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

Ve a Denny Hamlin en Posición de Romper con la Copa

Dale Jr. se centró en el podcast en los playoffs, enfocándose en Denny Hamlin como el conductor mejor equipado para ese título buscado largamente. Con 44 años, Hamlin ha logrado tres Daytona 500s y 59 victorias de la Copa, pero el título ha escapado en finales en Phoenix una vez más, como su intento de título en 2020 en Phoenix, donde no lideró un solo lap y terminó cuarto, o su ejecución de 2021 tardía 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 ha podido hacer Hamlin en las últimas décadas para ser uno de los favoritos, uno de los contendientes año tras año tras año. Y literalmente cada año parece que está aún mejor”.

Esto culminó en la reciente victoria de Hamlin en Gateway, su quinta de 2025, asegurando un lugar en la ronda de 12 a pesar de los cambios de tripulación en Joe Gibbs Racing. Junior reforzó el margen de Hamlin, diciendo, “Realmente se siente como si estuviera en la mejor posición que ha estado en su vida… Ahora, podemos decir, quizás por primera vez, que es el mejor auto en el campo en este momento”.

A diferencia de los compañeros que se desvanecen con la edad, el ética de trabajo de Hamlin, forjada 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, 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 with excitement over the ascent of Connor Zilisch, driving the No. 88 for JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series. Zilisch’s 2025 campaign has been marked by a remarkable nine victories in his last eight starts, including a stunning ninth win last weekend at Gateway in the Nu Way 200. This impressive run has placed him on the cusp of a single-season record, potentially surpassing Kyle Busch’s 13 wins from 2010, with seven races remaining. His dominance secures him as the regular-season champion, boasting a substantial points lead heading 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 greater challenge.

He has already gained Cup Series experience, participating in three starts, most recently finishing eleventh at Atlanta. The shift from Xfinity cars to the Next Gen machine, coupled with the demands of oval racing, represents a significant test. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Zilisch’s former owner and crew chief, offers a candid assessment. During the latest episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Jr. delivered a succinct six-word verdict: “first year to sort of be rough.”

Junior points to Trackhouse’s “hot and cold vibe” as a contributing factor. The team’s ability to produce exceptionally fast cars, exemplified by their dominant performance at the Coca-Cola 600, is often punctuated by periods of inconsistency. This fluctuating performance could result in Zilisch frequently operating in mid-pack as he adjusts to the Cup Series. Drawing from Zilisch’s limited Cup exposure, including a DNF at COTA due to a collision with teammate Daniel Suarez, Jr. emphasizes the need for patience, mirroring the struggles experienced by Noah Gragson after his Xfinity dominance, which yielded only three top-five finishes in two full Cup seasons despite 13 Xfinity wins.

The core challenge lies in the substantial gap between Xfinity and Cup machinery. Junior explains that Zilisch is “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.” Unlike the more forgiving Xfinity cars with taller sidewalls, the Next Gen Cup car demands precise control amid dirty air and tighter margins for error. This could lead to rookie pitfall situations, such as Zilisch making contact with the wall on corner exits while trailing traffic.

He compares this situation to Chase Briscoe’s early experiences at Stewart-Haas Racing, where it took a full season to develop a “new notebook” regarding the car’s limits, avoiding crashes and ultimately securing his first win at Phoenix. However, Briscoe, transitioning teams in 2025, racked up DNFs early before establishing consistency. Zilisch, lacking oval experience at the Cup level beyond limited superspeedway appearances, could mirror this learning curve on tracks like Daytona and Atlanta.

Despite these challenges, Junior highlights Zilisch’s potential on road courses, where the young driver excels. “Wouldn’t be surprised if Connor battles for a win in a road course. I think that’s not stepping out of bounds,” he notes, referencing 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.

Nevertheless, Junior tempers 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, emphasizing the importance of avoiding toe-link breaks and bad-air mishaps. For Zilisch, smart survival in the opener – potentially Daytona – could establish a solid foundation, but anticipate multiple 20th-place runs potentially leading to unplanned pit stops.

Dale Jr.’s insights extend beyond Zilisch to the veterans vying for championship glory in these playoffs.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. turned his podcast lens to the playoffs, focusing on Denny Hamlin as the driver best positioned for that long-sought championship. At 44, Hamlin has secured three Daytona 500 wins and 59 Cup victories, but the title has repeatedly eluded him at Phoenix. Junior praises Hamlin’s evolution over the past several seasons, noting that he has consistently been one of the favorites and contenders year after year. He stated that Hamlin’s recent victory at Gateway, his fifth of 2025, secured him a spot in the Round of 12 despite JGR’s crew shake-ups. Junior reiterated Hamlin’s advantage, asserting, “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 aging peers, Hamlin’s relentless work ethic, honed under Joe Gibbs’ guidance, keeps him sharp against younger drivers. With the No. 11 Camry performing optimally, 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/