Connor Zilisch did not need all 200 laps to prove a point. As storms moved over Dover Motor Speedway, the 18-year-old rising star stood tall in Victory Lane once again. NASCAR officials called the race after 134 laps, and Zilisch’s charge to the front sealed his fourth win of the season. With fierce competition from seasoned veterans and rain cutting the race short, Zilisch showcased poise, speed, and maturity far beyond his age. Now second in the standings, the rookie is becoming a serious title threat.
Key Highlights
Connor Zilisch earns his fourth NASCAR Xfinity Series win of the season after rain cuts Dover race short at 134 laps.
Zilisch led 77 laps and now holds an eight-race top-five streak with three wins and three second-place finishes.
Aric Almirola and Brandon Jones finish second and third, with strong drives for Joe Gibbs Racing.
Zilisch now trails Justin Allgaier by 56 points in the championship standings.
Post-race inspection cleared without issue, confirming Zilisch’s victory.
Connor Zilisch Shines in Tricky Conditions
Connor Zilisch may be only 18, but the North Carolina native is building a powerful résumé in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Saturday’s BetRivers 200 at Dover Motor Speedway added another chapter to his breakout season. Starting third in a rookie-dominated field, Zilisch was a constant threat for the lead. He took control for good after the Stage 2 restart and never looked back. His No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet stayed strong even as the weather loomed.
“We’ve been showing it lately. First of all, I hate that we couldn’t finish the race the right way. Aric [Almirola] was really fast and was going to give me a run for my money. Props to him for making me work for it. Still really proud of this JR Motorsports team. … We capitalized on all fronts, had good pit stops both stages and put ourselves in a position to be in the right spot when the rain fell. Very thankful.” – Connor Zilisch
Zilisch led 77 of the race’s 134 laps, a clear statement in a field packed with experience. His performance now puts him in second place in the season-long standings, trailing only JR Motorsports teammate Justin Allgaier. Allgaier, who finished fourth, remains a consistent presence at the top but is no longer alone.
Versatility Beyond Road Courses
Early in his NASCAR journey, Zilisch earned a reputation as a road-course expert, winning his Xfinity debut from the pole at Watkins Glen in 2023. But this season has erased doubts about his oval-track ability. With wins at Circuit of the Americas, Sonoma Raceway, Pocono Raceway, and now Dover’s Monster Mile, Zilisch is showing he can win anywhere.
His recent stretch—eight straight top-five finishes—includes three victories and three runner-up results, for an astonishing average finish of 2.25. He’s also led laps in 15 of the 19 races he’s started this year. Zilisch’s track record before NASCAR, including wins at the Daytona 24 and Sebring 12 Hour endurance races, proved his elite car control. Now, he’s showing NASCAR fans that his skill set translates just as well to stock cars.
“It’s been awesome, and I feel like even when we miss a little bit, we’re still a top-five car, and being able to go the race track and know that in the back of your head has definitely been comforting and confidence inspiring every weekend. Gotta keep knocking the door down with wins.” – Connor Zilisch
Full Results of the 2025 Xfinity Dover Race
Behind Zilisch, former Cup Series regular Aric Almirola and Xfinity veteran Brandon Jones secured second and third respectively. Both drivers, racing for Joe Gibbs Racing, showed competitive pace throughout the race. Justin Allgaier’s fourth-place finish keeps him atop the championship standings, while Jesse Love completed the top five and continues to strengthen his rookie campaign.
| Pos | # | Driver |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 88 | Connor Zilisch |
| 2 | 19 | Aric Almirola |
| 3 | 20 | Brandon Jones |
| 4 | 7 | Justin Allgaier |
| 5 | 2 | Jesse Love |
| 6 | 39 | Ryan Sieg |
| 7 | 54 | Taylor Gray |
| 8 | 00 | Sheldon Creed |
| 9 | 18 | William Sawalich |
| 10 | 16 | Christian Eckes |
| 11 | 25 | Harrison Burton |
| 12 | 41 | Sam Mayer |
| 13 | 21 | Austin Hill |
| 14 | 99 | Matt DiBenedetto |
| 15 | 1 | Carson Kvapil |
| 16 | 26 | Dean Thompson |
| 17 | 17 | Jake Finch |
| 18 | 24 | Ryan Truex |
| 19 | 4 | Parker Retzlaff |
| 20 | 27 | Jeb Burton |
| 21 | 10 | Daniel Dye |
| 22 | 32 | Rajah Caruth |
| 23 | 42 | Anthony Alfredo |
| 24 | 8 | Sammy Smith |
| 25 | 44 | Brennan Poole |
| 26 | 51 | Jeremy Clements |
| 27 | 11 | Josh Williams |
| 28 | 45 | Lavar Scott |
| 29 | 70 | Leland Honeyman |
| 30 | 71 | Ryan Ellis |
| 31 | 5 | Kaz Grala |
| 32 | 31 | Blaine Perkins |
| 33 | 07 | Nick Leitz |
| 34 | 91 | Josh Bilicki |
| 35 | 14 | Garrett Smithley |
| 36 | 28 | Kyle Sieg |
| 37 | 48 | Nick Sanchez |
| 38 | 9 | Ross Chastain |
Ryan Sieg’s sixth-place run was a solid showing for the veteran, followed by polesitter Taylor Gray in seventh. Sheldon Creed, William Sawalich, and Christian Eckes rounded out the top 10, with each completing 134 laps before the skies opened. Notably, Zilisch’s best friend Jesse Love stayed competitive throughout the race, adding another strong finish to his rookie year.
Playoff Implications and What’s Next
The BetRivers 200 also impacted the playoff picture. Jeb Burton, who finished 20th, now holds just a seven-point lead over his cousin Harrison Burton for the 12th and final playoff spot. With the season tightening, every position matters more than ever.
The NASCAR Xfinity Series moves next to Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Pennzoil 250, where the pressure will intensify. For Zilisch, it’s another opportunity to extend his run and chase down Allgaier in the standings. For others on the bubble, it may be a last chance to stay alive in the playoff race.
News in Brief: 2025 BetRivers 200 Full Results
Connor Zilisch won the rain-shortened BetRivers 200 at Dover Motor Speedway after leading 77 of 134 laps. Aric Almirola and Brandon Jones followed in second and third. Zilisch now has four wins this season and eight straight top-five finishes, moving to second in the standings. Justin Allgaier remains the points leader. Post-race inspection confirmed results. Jeb Burton maintains a narrow edge for the final playoff spot. The series heads next to Indianapolis. Watch the Pennzoil 250 live at 4:30 p.m. ET next Saturday and follow the title battle unfold.
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