NASCAR expert predicts Xfinity winner, and one young driver has captured all the attention. With the Focused Health 250 approaching at Circuit of the Americas, analysts are debating who has the best shot at victory. Among them, Bob Pockrass has made a bold prediction, placing his confidence in a rising star from JR Motorsports. This 18-year-old rookie has already shown impressive road course skills, but can he live up to the hype on race day?
Key Highlights
- Connor Zilisch, an 18-year-old rookie, drives the No. 88 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports and is a favorite to win the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at COTA.
- Zilisch secured pole position during qualifying, showcasing his potential and confidence ahead of the inaugural road course event.
- JR Motorsports had an impressive qualifying performance, with four out of five entries finishing in the top 10, solidifying their competitive edge.
- Zilisch is set to make his Cup Series debut in the No. 87 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing, becoming one of the youngest drivers in history.
- His recent success in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and calm demeanor position him as a rising star in NASCAR, attracting significant attention.
NASCAR Heads to COTA for First Road Course Event of 2025
NASCAR is set to make an exciting return to the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, for its inaugural road course event of the 2025 season.
This highly anticipated race weekend will commence with the third Xfinity Series race of the year, the Focused Health 250, before culminating in the Cup Series race on Sunday.
As teams navigate the track layout challenges, drivers must employ effective road course strategies to optimize performance.
The event promises to improve COTA fan engagement, highlighting young driver mentorship as rising talents aim to establish themselves.The event enhances fan engagement while showcasing young driver mentorship, as emerging talents strive to make their mark.
Furthermore, varying weather conditions impact race dynamics, contributing another layer of complexity to this unique racing experience that blends skill, strategy, and resilience on the road course.
Bob Pockrass Predicts Xfinity Winner—Picks Connor Zilisch as Favorite
As race day approaches at Circuit of the Americas, anticipation builds among fans and analysts likewise, particularly regarding the Xfinity Series.
In his latest NASCAR analysis, respected journalist Bob Pockrass has made his predictions clear, identifying Connor Zilisch as the favorite to secure victory. The 18-year-old rookie, piloting the No. 88 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, has showcased remarkable road course performance in previous races, highlighting his potential.
Pockrass’s projected top five also includes notable Xfinity favorites such as William Byron, Sam Mayer, Ross Chastain, and Riley Herbst, all of whom are expected to pose important challenges.
My Xfinity pick for COTA: Connor Zilisch … top-5: Zilisch Byron Mayer Chastain Herbst
ET
11-Prime-Cup practice
12:30-Prime-Cup qualifying
2-CW-NASCAR Countdown
2:49-CW-Xfin green 20-20-25, 4 sets
NWS:80s,0%— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 1, 2025
As the weekend unfolds, Zilisch’s performance will be closely monitored, reflecting the growing excitement surrounding his promising career.
JR Motorsports Flexes Muscle in NASCAR Xfinity Qualifying
A strong showing in qualifying at Circuit of the Americas has highlighted the skill of JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series. Four of the team’s five entries secured spots in the top 10, demonstrating an impressive qualifying performance that emphasizes the effectiveness of their race day preparations.
Connor Zilisch’s pole position, alongside Ross Chastain on the front row, exemplifies the strong team dynamics and tactical expertise of JR Motorsports. Furthermore, reigning champion Justin Allgaier’s fourth-place qualification and Carson Kvapil’s fifth-place finish further enhance driver confidence within the organization.
With such a powerful lineup, JR Motorsports is ready to exert control on race day, making them a significant force in the ongoing championship battle.
Connor Zilisch Reacts to Pole Position—Stays Focused on Execution
Calm and collected, Connor Zilisch welcomed his pole position following a standout qualifying performance at Circuit of the Americas. With a focus on race execution, Zilisch’s mindset remained steadfast, seemingly undeterred by the added strain that often accompanies such acclaim.
“I don’t think there’s a target on my back,” Connor Zilisch said. “I feel like we’re just going to go out there tomorrow and execute our race and do what we know to do. We’ve got a really fast WeatherTech Chevrolet…looking to make the most of it.”
Having previously succeeded in his debut Xfinity road course race at Watkins Glen, Zilisch’s experience bodes well as he aims to capitalize on the pole position impact effectively during the upcoming race.
Historic Weekend Ahead—Zilisch to Make Cup Series Debut
With the excitement of a historic weekend on the horizon, Connor Zilisch is ready to make his NASCAR Cup Series debut in the No. 87 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing during the upcoming race at Circuit of the Americas.
At just 18 years old, Zilisch stands prepared to become one of the youngest drivers to accomplish this remarkable feat. Following his recent success in the Xfinity series with JR Motorsports, the young talent has garnered attention for his potential influence on the NASCAR future.
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Zilisch expressed his enthusiasm on social media, emphasizing pride in his team and readiness to hit the track.
News In Brief: NASCAR Expert Predicts Xfinity Winner
As Connor Zilisch prepares for a historic weekend at COTA, all eyes will be on the young driver making his Cup Series debut. With a strong performance in NASCAR Xfinity qualifying, where he secured pole position, Zilisch has emerged as an impressive contender.
His focus now shifts to executing a race strategy that could solidify his place among NASCAR’s rising stars. This weekend promises to be crucial, not just for Zilisch, but for the future of JR Motorsports.
ALSO READ: Connor Zilisch’s Cautious Approach to NASCAR’s Top Tier: Can He Deliver a Record-Breaking Debut?
