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Connor Zilisch to drive No. 88 car full-time in Xfinity Series in 2025 for JR Motorsports

Nick Profile Picby:Nick Geddes•08/07/24•

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Connor Zilisch
Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

JR Motorsports announced Wednesday that Connor Zilisch will pilot the No. 88 Chevrolet full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2025.

Zilisch, 18, is a Trackhouse Racing development driver and regarded as one of the top prospects in the sport.

“Connor is such an impressive driver at this young age,” co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. said in a statement. “We’re excited for him to get behind the wheel full time next season. He is on a path to sure success with support from Chevrolet, Silver Hare Racing, Trackhouse, and now JR Motorsports.”

Zilisch, the defending Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona winner, has been competing in NASCAR events on a part-time basis in 2024. In six ARCA Menards Series East starts this season, Zilisch has secured four checkered flags. He made his Truck Series debut at COTA back in March, driving the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado for Spire Motorsports. Zilisch finished an impressive P4.

In addition to NASCAR, Zilisch has also picked up wins on several other circuits. Those include the CARS Tour, Carolina Pro Late Model Series, IMSA Sportscar Championship and the Mazda MX-5 Cup.

Connor Zilisch on joining JR Motorsports: ‘This is gonna be big for me’

“With so much support from Chevrolet and chances to race in Trucks, ARCA and Trans Am with the support of Silver Hare Racing, I was able to sign with Trackhouse and they went to work to secure an incredible opportunity for me,” Zilisch said. “I am so grateful and can’t wait to show them that their trust in me is warranted. It is mind-blowing to think that I will be driving for JR Motorsports and Dale Earnhardt, Jr., who is one of my heroes. I am ready to put in the work.”

Zilisch joins a team which includes Sam Mayer (No. 1), Justin Allgaier (No. 7), Sammy Smith (No. 8) and Brandon Jones (No. 9). Earnhardt has drove part-time in the No. 88 car in recent seasons but will now make way for Zilisch to get the wheel full-time.

“It’s gonna be big for me,” Zilisch said on Wednesday’s “Dale Jr. Download” podcast. “You know, this is a lifetime of an opportunity to come here and race at JRM. So many guys in the Cup Series have gone through this building. And it’s gonna be an honor to drive for Dale and everyone at JR Motorsports.”