Connor Zilisch secured JR Motorsports‘ 100th win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway after a turbulent, rain-affected Xfinity Series race, marking a milestone for the team as storms and track chaos shuffled the field. The dramatic event saw Zilisch overcome challenges and fierce competition from teammates and rivals, putting the focus keyword “JR Motorsports 100th win Indianapolis” at the center of a memorable day for the race team.
Rain and Cautions Create Unpredictable Racing Conditions
The second half of the final stage at Indianapolis turned chaotic when rain began to fall, prompting a series of caution flags that spilled over into racing incidents. JR Motorsports driver Justin Allgaier, seeking to clinch his organization’s milestone win, selected the outside lane during a restart with 15 laps remaining. Allgaier was immediately locked in a tense battle with Kyle Larson in the Hendricks No. 17 car, but was forced up the track and struck the wall, which ended his race and also involved Brandon Jones, who had been running in fourth position. Amidst this, Connor Zilisch had just climbed back into third place following a slow pit stop that had dropped him down the order after a caution earlier in the stage.
Allgaier has been a central figure for JR Motorsports throughout his Xfinity Series career, securing 28 race victories since his debut win with the organization in 2010. His ambitions for the team’s 100th win, however, were dashed as damage forced both him and Jones from contention, allowing opportunities for other contenders in the reshuffling pack.
Zilisch Capitalizes on Mayhem to Take the Lead
The youngest driver on the team, newly 19-year-old Zilisch, emerged at the front as his teammates and competitors struggled with on-track incidents and mechanical setbacks, while Kyle Larson lost the draft. Earlier, in the second stage, Zilisch was narrowly edged out for the stage win by Allgaier, as the veteran used the inside line to take the flag just ahead of his teammate. The persistent and unpredictable conditions continued to upend the field as the race wound toward its conclusion.
Battle Among Contenders Escalates Tensions
With ten laps remaining, a pivotal altercation unfolded between Aric Almirola and Austin Hill, both vying for fourth place. In a challenging turn three exchange, Hill’s struggle to control his car resulted in a right-rear hit that spun Almirola. Immediately following the incident, Hill relayed over his No. 21 team radio:
“I was not trying to right rear him.”
—Austin Hill, Driver
Almirola, on his No. 19 radio, took issue with Hill’s account:
“That was a cheap shot, 100%,”
—Aric Almirola, Driver
The aftermath saw race officials issuing a red flag as they cleaned up the track, with NASCAR imposing a five-lap penalty on Hill for reckless driving, and indications that further penalties could be forthcoming.
Final Laps Bring Intense Strategy and a Historic Victory
As the race resumed for its final restart, Taylor Gray launched strongly beside Zilisch and momentarily claimed the top spot. With team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. present at the famed Brickyard, the intensity surrounding the pursuit of the 100th JR Motorsports win peaked. Zilisch, under significant pressure, initially failed to regain the lead as teammate Sam Mayer pushed Gray on the outside. On the penultimate lap, however, Mayer switched his tactic, giving Zilisch a crucial draft push that enabled both drivers to overtake Gray — catapulting Zilisch into the lead for good.
Celebrating the achievement, Zilisch spoke with The CW Sports’ Kim Coon about the tradition awaiting him at the Brickyard:
“Those bricks look really kissable and I’m ready to kiss them,”
—Connor Zilisch, Driver
Despite his modesty regarding his role, Zilisch underscored the collective effort it took for JR Motorsports to reach the 100-win mark. Responding, team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. praised his young driver’s performance:
“He’s a hell of a driver,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Team Owner
“He just went up there and got it back.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Team Owner
Zilisch Adds Name to JR Motorsports Legacy
The significance of the win is amplified by the team’s history. Zilisch was under two years old when Mark Martin delivered JR Motorsports its inaugural victory in March 2008. Now, Zilisch joins a distinguished list of 21 drivers who have earned the team a place in the record books, accounting for 6% of all the wins achieved by the organization.
The milestone at Indianapolis is the latest highlight in an impressive season for Zilisch, adding to his tally of three consecutive victories and five total wins. This performance not only secures his position as a rising star at JR Motorsports, but also cements the team’s legacy at the highest levels of NASCAR competition, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the broader NASCAR community bearing witness to this achievement.
As the team sets its sights on continued success, the emotional high and team camaraderie at the Brickyard serve as a reminder of the perseverance and talent required to reach a century of victories in this fiercely competitive sport.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does JR Motorsports still exist?
A. The team currently works from a 66,000-square-foot race shop close to Mooresville, North Carolina.
Q. Is JR Motorsports successful?
A. JR Motorsports, led by him and Kelley Earnhardt Miller since 2005, has achieved great success. They have won 88 races and four driver championships in the Xfinity Series. This series is just below the top-tier Cup Series, where Earnhardt Jr. competes.
