The 2025 BetRivers 200 at Dover wasn’t just another victory for JR Motorsports. It was a historic step toward a milestone nearly two decades in the making. On July 19, rookie sensation Connor Zilisch conquered the Monster Mile in a rain-shortened event, delivering the organization its 99th NASCAR Xfinity Series win. While the weather called the race early, the performance by Zilisch and his team was a complete effort from start to finish—and now, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s powerhouse operation is closing in on the century mark.
Key Highlights
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Connor Zilisch earned his fourth win of 2025, leading 77 laps at Dover
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JR Motorsports now has 99 career Xfinity Series wins.
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Zilisch credits his crew chief for mid-race adjustments that won the event
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The team’s chemistry and preparation have produced eight straight top-fives for Zilisch
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JRM is now just two wins away from the elite 100-win club
A Legacy in the Making: JR Motorsports Nears Triple Digits
Since launching in 2006, JR Motorsports has transformed from a small operation into a perennial contender in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The team’s early wins came from a mix of rising talents and seasoned drivers, including Brad Keselowski, Chase Elliott, and William Byron. Now, with Justin Allgaier as its veteran anchor and Connor Zilisch emerging as its next superstar, the organization continues to thrive.
Zilisch’s win at Dover didn’t just highlight his skill—it demonstrated the strength of JR Motorsports’ structure. The race was halted after 154 of the scheduled 200 laps due to rain, but by that point, Zilisch had taken complete control. He led a race-high 77 laps after surging to the front in Stage Two, capitalizing on a perfect blend of adjustments, restarts, and tire strategy.
“Our car was just so good that second stage. Marty (Lindley, crew chief) made really good adjustments, and we were just able to drive to the front.” — Connor Zilisch (via NASCAR.com, July 2025)
This win elevated Zilisch to four victories in 2025, all in his rookie campaign, and solidified his growing presence in the championship conversation. More importantly, it brought JR Motorsports within striking distance of the 100-win threshold—an accomplishment only a handful of teams in series history have achieved.
Team Unity Fuels Competitive Edge
JR Motorsports’ ability to consistently deliver strong performances isn’t just about fast cars—it’s about internal chemistry. That cohesion starts with leadership from Dale Earnhardt Jr. and extends across every level of the team. At Dover, Zilisch’s pit crew made key calls—electing for four-tire stops that enhanced grip while others gambled—and gave their driver a car suited for both short sprints and long green-flag runs.
“Connor’s done an incredible job learning week to week. What impressed me most today was how clean he was on restarts. That’s where this race was won.” — Marty Lindley (via Fox Sports, July 2025)
Veteran driver Justin Allgaier, with the team since 2016, has echoed this sentiment in prior interviews. He sees JR Motorsports as more than a competitive outfit—he sees it as a unified group where collaboration, not conflict, drives success.
“There are times we’re racing against each other, but in the garage and at the shop, we’re all working toward the same thing. That’s how you build a winning team.” — Justin Allgaier (MRN Radio, March 2025)
At Dover, that cohesion translated into another strong showing across the board, with multiple JRM entries placing in the top ten. It’s this consistency that is now pushing the team toward the historic 100-win mark.
The Significance of 100 Wins
While race wins always matter, the number 100 carries particular weight in NASCAR. It’s a reflection of longevity, talent development, and unwavering effort. For JR Motorsports, reaching that milestone would signify the culmination of years spent nurturing young drivers and investing in elite infrastructure.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., who started the team not just as an extension of his name but as a serious racing enterprise, has always deflected praise onto his staff. Earlier in 2025, when asked by NBC Sports about the milestone, he emphasized the collective behind the mission:
“I think 100 wins would speak volumes about our people. The crew chiefs, the hauler drivers, the engineers who’ve stuck with us over the years—it’s their milestone as much as anyone’s.” — Dale Earnhardt Jr. (NBC Sports, March 2025)
Now with 99 victories secured, JR Motorsports is poised to cross into triple digits during the final stretch of the 2025 campaign. Upcoming races at tracks like Michigan and Darlington offer prime opportunities for the team to make that leap, especially given Zilisch’s form and Allgaier’s experience.
News in Brief: Why Connor Zilisch Won the 2025 Dover Xfinity Race
Connor Zilisch’s win at Dover was the 99th for JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The team, led by Dale Earnhardt Jr., is now two wins away from 100. Zilisch dominated by leading 77 laps before rain ended the race early. The win marks his fourth of the year. Crew chief Marty Lindley’s adjustments were key, and the unity within the JRM camp continues to deliver top results. Their next shot at win #99 comes at Indianapolis.
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