JRM’s newest signing Connor Zilisch sends out a message after Dale Earnhardt Jr’s suggestion

Connor Zilisch was recently tapped to drive the #88 car for Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s JR Motorsports from 2025. While he's set to receive firsthand guidance from the veteran driver, Zilisch is already taking his advice to heart. He's adjusted his hand-folding gesture following a tip from Earnhardt Jr.

Zilisch celebrated his 18th birthday on July 22, making him eligible to compete in NASCAR’s second-tier series. He made a splash in his Truck Series debut at Austin, Texas, in March, setting a track record to win the pole and finishing fourth. Since then, he’s been pegged as a rising star in racing, boasting wins at events like the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Twelve Hours of Sebring, and four ARCA series races.

In January, Connor Zilisch was signed by Trackhouse Racing, a team positioning itself as the future of NASCAR by accumulating a roster of talented drivers. Prior to turning 18, Zilisch wasn’t competing full-time in any of NASCAR’s three national series due to age restrictions. Now at 18, Zilisch is getting ready for his Xfinity Series debut this September at Watkins Glen, where he'll be racing for Earnhardt’s JR Motorsports.

Back in January 2024, Trackhouse Racing shared a snapshot of Connor Zilisch sporting a blue Trackhouse Racing t-shirt, just after it was announced he'd be driving for the team that year. Dale Earnhardt Jr. couldn’t help but chime in on the post, writing:

"I like this kid. Bright future. High ceiling. Aggressive but measured temperament behind the wheel. Needs to improve arm folding technique. Young with a long runway for development with first class organization."

Recently, after signing with Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s own JR Motorsports, Trackhouse Racing threw it back with a side-by-side comparison of Zilisch posing from January 2024 and August 2024. They tagged Dale Jr., asking:

"Any better, @DaleJr?"

Connor Zilisch, not missing a beat, shared the picture on his X account and commented:

"I take my arm crossing seriously now @DaleJr."

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NASCAR journalist on JRM's lineup after Connor Zilisch's arrival

NASCAR teams are capped at fielding four cars, and with Connor Zilisch joining the lineup, current JRM drivers—Brandon Jones, Sammy Smith, Sam Mayer, and Justin Allgaier—could feel the heat about their spots for next year.

If the rumors hold any truth, either Brandon Jones or Sam Mayer might be packing up by the end of the 2024 season. NASCAR insider journalist Bob Pockrass weighed in on the speculation surrounding the JRM lineup for 2025. He posted on X:

"Connor Zilisch will be in the JRM No. 88 full-time next year. I’d expect the JRM lineup likely to be Allgaier, Zilisch, SSmith, and other car(s) TBD."

Mayer boasts two wins, ten top 10s, and seven top 5s this season. Meanwhile, Brandon Jones hasn't managed to win this season and is currently ranked 14th in the Xfinity series standings.