Connor Zilisch, a standout rookie and driver of the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, will miss this weekend’s highly anticipated Texas Motor Speedway event due to a lower back injury sustained during a dramatic crash on the final lap at Talladega Superspeedway. In the wake of his absence, JR Motorsports announced that Kyle Larson will substitute behind the wheel, allowing Zilisch additional time to recover.
The incident occurred as Connor Zilisch was leading at Talladega, only to be turned down the backstretch following a push from Jesse Love and spinning forcefully into the inside wall nose first. Despite the severity of the crash, Zilisch managed to exit the car under his own power and was soon evaluated and released from the infield care center. He later provided a reassuring post-race interview on The CW, affirming, “I’m OK. … Very grateful to drive safe JR Motorsports race cars.”
Prior to the crash, Connor Zilisch had already proven himself as one of the season’s top rookies by securing a win at Circuit of The Americas and earning three top 10 finishes, positioning himself sixth in driver points. With an average running position of 10.8, Zilisch ranks among the series’ best so far this year.
The absence of Connor Zilisch from the Andy’s Frozen Custard 300 at Texas marks a significant development for both the driver and JR Motorsports. As the rookie continues his recovery, all eyes will be on his return and the impact this setback may have on his impressive debut season.
