Kyle Larson will take over driving duties for the No. 88 chevrolet/”>Chevrolet at JR Motorsports this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway, stepping in after Connor Zilisch suffered a lower back injury in a dramatic final-lap crash at Talladega. The team confirmed that Zilisch, a rising star in the Xfinity Series and currently ranked sixth in the standings, had not been medically cleared to race, prompting this unexpected but dynamic lineup change just days before the event.
This decision quickly became public when NASCAR Xfinity’s official channel announced that Kyle Larson would replace Connor Zilisch, igniting excitement and speculation among fans and insiders alike. Larson, a 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion with an impressive record of 31 Cup wins and 16 Xfinity wins—including a victory at Bristol earlier this season—brings a formidable level of talent and experience to the team. The move instantly shakes up expectations for the Texas race, as JR Motorsports adapts to the sudden but necessary switch.
Connor Zilisch’s latest challenge unfolded at Talladega, where the 18-year-old was fighting for the lead on the final lap. As he tried to block a late charge from Jesse Love, Zilisch’s car was clipped and sent into the inside wall. Despite initially downplaying the incident and sharing that he was “all good” after the impact, medical staff ordered further evaluation, leading to the announcement that he would be sidelined for at least one race while he recovers.
The absence of Zilisch disrupts the rhythm for JR Motorsports, who had been relying on his consistent performances and recent win at Circuit of the Americas. In an official statement, the team cited the importance of prioritizing Zilisch’s health, affirming that Kyle Larson stepping in demonstrates their commitment to fielding a competitive entry.
This unexpected change also has implications for the Xfinity Series playoff race. While Zilisch will retain his points tally due to his medical withdrawal from Texas, JR Motorsports must file a waiver with NASCAR to preserve his playoff eligibility, a requirement that is often fulfilled but cannot be taken for granted in such a high-stakes season. The Texas race leads into a two-week series break, giving Zilisch crucial time to focus on recovery before his scheduled return at Charlotte during Memorial Day weekend, when both the Xfinity and Cup Series will converge for a major racing showcase.
Kyle Larson’s involvement brings heightened attention, not only because of his NASCAR pedigree but also due to his ambitious racing schedule. Alongside his Cup and Xfinity campaigns, Larson is competing part-time in IndyCar with Arrow McLaren and had planned to contest the iconic Indy 500–Coca-Cola 600 double event in 2024. Weather delays in Indianapolis prevented him from completing this rare feat, yet his willingness to take on such a demanding challenge was widely praised throughout the motorsports community.
Addressing speculation about repeating the Double in 2026, Larson explained to reporter Nathan Brown that neither he nor his teams currently plan to attempt it again, signaling a possible refocus on his NASCAR commitments and the pursuit of more victories and championships in familiar territory. For now, Kyle Larson remains second in the NASCAR Cup Series standings, narrowly trailing William Byron, and his replacement role at Texas offers JR Motorsports both stability and renewed hope during a turbulent point in their season.
This rapid shift at JR Motorsports underscores the unpredictable nature of motorsports and the high level of resilience required from teams and drivers alike. All eyes will be on Kyle Larson as he navigates the Texas track, with fans and competitors alike eager to see if his considerable experience can keep the No. 88 competitive and maintain Zilisch’s playoff hopes. As the Xfinity Series heads toward a critical phase, the outcome of this substitute appearance could have significant implications, not only for team strategy but for the dynamics of the championship race itself.
