Watch: Connor Zilisch holds the post-race interview to attend $300M worth Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s congratulatory phone call 

After his race victory, Connor Zilisch had already expressed his gratitude to JR Motorsports for the opportunity Dale Earnhardt Jr. had given him, encouraging his debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Reciprocating the feeling, the 49-year-old also called the young driver to congratulate him while Zilisch was still in the middle of the post-race media session. Yet, the latter acknowledged the call and paused the media session to speak with Earnhardt Jr. first.

Bob Pockrass captured this moment and shared a video on his official X handle, captioning it:

"Xfinity race winner Connor Zilisch got a phone call during his postrace news conference that he felt he had to answer. He wasn't sending Dale Jr. to voice mail. Watch:"

Upon notifying the reporters that he was receiving a call from Dale Jr. saying,

"Now, I am getting a call from Dale,"

Zilisch took the call and simply offered his thanks. Later, just to acknowledge that he picked up a call in the middle of the media session, Zilisch stated:

"I think I can pick up the phone for that one."

Watch the video below:

Connor Zilisch became the seventh driver from Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s team to clinch a victory in his debut race. At Watkins Glen, the scheduled 82-lap event was extended to 90 laps due to a double-overtime scenario, with Zilisch successfully defending his lead on two crucial restarts to secure the win. Starting from pole position, he led 45 of the 90 laps in his #88 JR Motorsports Carolina Carports Chevrolet.

The race was not without its challenges; during Stage 1, Connor Zilisch, along with Sam Mayer and Ty Gibbs, faced penalties that relegated them to start from the rear for cutting through the inner loop. Despite this setback, after the #88 team serviced Zilisch’s car, adjusting the strategy to barely cover the fuel requirements, he worked his way into the top 5 within 20 laps of the stage. His strategic fuel conservation ultimately saw him through to the checkered flag.

Elsewhere, Sheldon Creed finished in second place for the sixth time this season, visibly disheartened by the result. Shane van Gisbergen, whom Connor Zilisch had previously expressed apprehension about competing against, offered congratulations to the 18-year-old for his remarkable performance. Van Gisbergen even suggested that teams consider Zilisch for a drive in the upcoming NASCAR Cup race at Watkins Glen on Sunday.

Zilisch's win topped off a stellar race weekend, having previously dominated Friday's General Tire 100 at The Glen in the ARCA Menards Series, securing his fifth win in eight ARCA races this year.

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Connor Zilisch reflects on his entry into NASCAR this season

Ahead of the Watkins Glen race, Connor Zilisch looked back on his 2024 season, calling it the "biggest year yet." He was signed as a development driver by Trackhouse Racing in January 2024, embarking on a comprehensive program that includes races in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, ARCA, CARS Tour, Trans-Am, and IMSA.

In a video posted by the team, Connor Zilisch shared his reflections on the opportunity:

"I was given the opportunity to join Trackhouse Racing as a development driver. And quite honestly, it was an opportunity that, at the time, I could not turn down. I don't play a big role in Trackhouse right now, but still getting the opportunity. I go to sim, and I try and sit in on meetings when I can, and just kind of take in as much as I can."

Zilisch is next set to race at Kansas on September 28, Homestead on October 26, and Phoenix on November 9 in the Xfinity Series. While 2024 was his part-time year in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, he will drive the #88 car full-time for JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series in 2025.