Dale Earnhardt Jr. announces NASCAR sensation Connor Zilisch as JR Motorsports’ full-time driver for next year

JR Motorsports announced Connor Zilisch as the driver for the #88 Chevrolet for the 2025 season of the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He will be competing full-time in the series.

Connor Zilisch has come across as a very competitive driver through his years of racing in the junior series. He bagged multiple wins in the ARCA Menards Series and the East Series in the running season. He also collected a pole position in his Truck Series debut at the Circuit of The Americas for Spire Motorsports earlier this season.

Owned by former NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr, JR Motorsports will give Connor Zilisch a major step in his journey to the Cup Series. Talking about his signing, Zilisch mentioned that multiple drivers have paved their way to the Cup Series through this team.

"It's going to be big for me. This is a lifetime of an opportunity to come here and race at JRM," Connor Zilisch said (at 0:25) "Many guys in the Cup series have gone through this building and it's going to be an honor to drive for Dale and everyone at Junior Motorsports."

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Connor Zilisch to debut with JR Motorsports this season

Earlier in March, the 18-year-old had signed a four-race deal with the team. He is set to debut with the team in September at Watkins Glen International and will also race with them in Kansas, Homestead-Miami Speedway, and the Phoenix Raceway.

This deal is a part of his role as a development driver for Trackhouse Racing. In January, he signed a multi-year contract with Trackhouse which is set to give him exposure to multiple stock-car racing series which includes Xfinity, Truck Series, the ARCA Menards Series, and also the Trans-Am and IMSA. He also spoke about the opportunity that was given to him and said (via a team release):

"With so much support from Chevrolet and chances to race in trucks, ARCA and TransAm 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. 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’m ready to put in the work."

Team owner Dale Earnmhardt Jr. is also seemingly positive about Connor Zillisch's signing with the team. He said:

"Connor is such an impressive driver at this young age. 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."

The details of Zilisch's sponsorship are set to be announced later.