After enduring a frightening crash at Talladega that resulted in a back injury and sidelined him for the Texas race, Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Xfinity Series driver Connor Zilisch is now gearing up for a determined comeback. The 18-year-old, who had quickly become a sensation before his incident, is set to take on a challenging double-header at Charlotte Motor Speedway, a pivotal moment signaling his full return to racing.
During his absence, the No. 88 car was taken over by Kyle Larson for the Texas race, where Larson delivered a standout performance. This allowed JR Motorsports to maintain its strong season momentum. Zilisch’s quick recovery came at an ideal time, as the Xfinity Series schedule break meant he only missed one competition.
Kyle Larson wins the Xfinity race at Texas in double overtime while subbing for Connor Zilisch. Gray P2, Herbst P3. Mayer was leader on restart but falls to P5.
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) May 3, 2025
Now fully cleared to race, Zilisch expressed his excitement and gratitude to those who supported his recovery. As he returns, he is not easing into the challenge. Instead, he faces a weekend packed with high pressure, racing both in the BetMGM 300 Xfinity event and his second Cup Series oval start during the iconic Coca-Cola 600.
I’m back,”he posted on X. “My back is all healed up and I’m ready for a big weekend at Charlotte. I’m pumped to make my second Cup start with Trackhouse and get back in the Xfinity car with JR Motorsports. Big thanks to everyone who helped me get back so soon!
This test amounts to 900 demanding miles at one of NASCAR’s most hallowed venues—a task even veteran drivers approach with caution. For Zilisch, the opportunity marks more than just return; it is a chance to prove his resilience and ambition within Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Xfinity Series driver comeback narrative.
Earlier in the season, Zilisch had shown flashes of brilliance as a rookie, securing a victory and several top performances. However, inexperience led to avoidable mistakes during pit stops and on the track, affecting his finishing positions. Prior to his injury and absence, his average start sat impressively at 6.6, but he was averaging a 16.8 finish, highlighting the gap between his speed and outcomes.
Sitting out the Texas event dropped Zilisch to twelfth in the standings, while another standout rookie, Carson Kvapil, rose to sixth. With the demanding events ahead in Charlotte, Zilisch has the opportunity to close that gap—making this weekend especially significant for his playoff ambitions and reputation.
Another intriguing storyline involves comparisons to Shane van Gisbergen, who is currently occupying a Trackhouse Racing seat in the Cup Series. With Zilisch regarded as a prime Trackhouse talent, observers will be watching the performance of both young drivers closely. If Zilisch delivers under the intense spotlight of the Coca-Cola 600, the internal competition for a future Cup seat could intensify.
This weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway is not just about returning to form but a statement for Zilisch and the future of JR Motorsports. His health restored and determination evident, Zilisch is set to remind fans—alongside Dale Earnhardt Jr., Carson Kvapil, Kyle Larson, Shane van Gisbergen, and the rest of the field—why he is considered a rising force in NASCAR’s competitive landscape.
