Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen gave fans at Sonoma Raceway a race to remember, but it wasn’t just the wheel-to-wheel action that left a mark. The JR Motorsports teammates dominated every statistical category, turning the race into a two-man show on one of NASCAR’s most challenging road courses. Their battle went to the wire, and while Zilisch ended up with the trophy, questions lingered over whether SVG held back. What happened late in the race may say more than the final result ever could.
Key Highlights
Zilisch and van Gisbergen combined to lead 70 of 79 laps
SVG set the fastest lap of the race: 1:16.860 on lap 32
Zilisch claimed his third Xfinity Series win of 2025
SVG admitted he didn’t want to “get really physical” late in the race
Dale Earnhardt Jr. praised the display of mutual respect between drivers
SVG and Connor Zilisch Were Untouchable
The numbers from Sonoma paint a clear picture—this race belonged to two cars. Between Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen, they laid down the 45 fastest laps of the event. No one else even came close. Van Gisbergen logged the fastest lap of the race, a blistering 1:16.860 on lap 32. Zilisch wasn’t far behind, recording a 1:16.909 just two laps later. The third-fastest time? Also Zilisch.
Their dominance extended beyond individual laps. They strung together stints of consistency that kept the rest of the field at arm’s length. Nick Sanchez’s name didn’t appear on the fastest lap sheet until spot No. 46, highlighting the performance gap between the JR Motorsports duo and everyone else.
Just how good were Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen in the Xfinity Series race at Sonoma?
Well, the two drivers set the 45 fastest laps of the race: pic.twitter.com/VA6Tvw2n4A
— NASCAR Insights (@NASCARInsights) July 14, 2025
Connor Zilisch Answers Back After Chicago Frustration
The context made the finale even more gripping. One week earlier at Chicago, Zilisch had been on the verge of victory until SVG executed a bold, late-race pass to take the win. This time, Zilisch had track position and a fresh sense of purpose. Starting from the front row, he gained the upper hand following a critical pit cycle under caution. Van Gisbergen tried everything in the closing laps—nudging through Turn 7, attempting an over-under in Turn 11—but Zilisch held firm.
“All race long, I felt like we were racing each other with respect. I wheel-hopped a little bit going into [Turn] 7 that one time and got into him, but other than that, it was awesome to get to race against him, finally, and battle with him the whole race long.” – Connor Zilisch
For Zilisch, the win marked his third of the season and arguably his most meaningful, not just for the trophy, but for how it was earned—by holding off the most feared road course driver in NASCAR.
Did SVG Leave the Door Closed… On Purpose?
The final five laps raised a new question: did Shane van Gisbergen decide not to go all-in? While SVG made visible efforts to challenge Zilisch—multiple attempts in the hairpin and even a light bump—he stopped short of using the level of aggression he displayed in Chicago.
“I probably could have taken the lead when I bumped Connor entering Turn 7, but I didn’t want to get really physical… It’s all about racing hard but fair, and I wanted to show him the same respect he gave me.” – Shane van Gisbergen
There was no sign of frustration or regret in his post-race comments. Instead, there was an acknowledgment of mutual trust—something not often seen at this level when a victory is on the line. Van Gisbergen’s strategy appeared to lean more toward team preservation than individual glory, especially considering both drivers race for JR Motorsports.
Praise Reflects Bigger Picture
Team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. wasn’t shy about voicing his pride in both drivers. To him, the real win was the display of sportsmanship wrapped in elite competition. The battle not only avoided chaos but also elevated both drivers in the eyes of fans, competitors, and their own garage.
“That’s what we want to see—intensity, respect, and great racing for JR Motorsports.” – Dale Earnhardt Jr.
The team-first mentality, however rare in such tight circumstances, sets a unique tone for the rest of the season. It also strengthens JR Motorsports’ reputation as a group that develops talent without sacrificing competition.
News in Brief: Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen’s 2025 Sonoma Duel
Connor Zilisch secured his third win of the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season at Sonoma Raceway, holding off Shane van Gisbergen in a high-stakes showdown between JR Motorsports teammates. The pair dominated the race, combining to lead 70 of 79 laps and recording the 45 fastest laps overall. SVG logged the fastest time but opted not to force a late-race pass, citing mutual respect. Dale Earnhardt Jr. praised both drivers for their hard but clean racing as JR Motorsports continues to shine on road courses.
ALSO READ: Shane van Gisbergen a Real NASCAR Title Threat After Sonoma?
