Connor Zilisch’s electrifying climb through the NASCAR Xfinity Series is drawing bold comparisons to the sport’s greatest names, after he clinched his third straight win at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The 19-year-old’s extraordinary run, lauded by legendary figures like Dale Earnhardt Jr., is fueling talk of Zilisch as the “Connor Zilisch next NASCAR superstar” — a label reinforced by his maturity, remarkable skill, and a path to success unlike any before him.
Rare Talent and Maturity Spotlighted by Racing Greats
Connor Zilisch’s series of rapid victories in 2025 has captured NASCAR’s spotlight. His most recent win at Indianapolis was more than a tactical masterclass; it was further evidence that a new force is emerging. Few drivers his age have managed such consistent top-level performances, and fewer still have impressed both veteran drivers and rising fans alike with such poise under pressure.
The legendary Dale Earnhardt Jr. publicly placed Zilisch alongside NASCAR’s elite, drawing close parallels to Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, both icons of the sport. When discussing what sets the young driver apart, Earnhardt Jr. remarked,
“The only thing I think it’s close to is probably Jeff Gordon or Jimmy Johnson,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr. This rare alignment of talent, results, and composure has many insiders reconsidering the benchmarks for greatness in stock car racing.
A.J. Allmendinger Predicts Superstar Status
Zilisch’s effect on the racing world became evident even earlier, after his performance at Watkins Glen Raceway. Veteran racer A.J. Allmendinger was quick to recognize what he saw on the track, declaring,
“As we’ve all seen, he’s going to be the next superstar,”
—A.J. Allmendinger, following the Mission 200. This sentiment now resonates even more in the wake of Zilisch’s third Xfinity victory in a row, affirming that even seasoned drivers view his rise as the start of something special.
Unconventional Route Builds Resilience
What sets Connor Zilisch apart is not just his speed but the life experiences fueling his development. His journey took a remarkable turn when, at just twelve, his parents sent him alone to Europe to hone his karting craft — a decision that demanded tremendous resilience and adaptability. Reflecting on this, Earnhardt Jr. shared a remarkable story:
“His mom and dad sent him overseas at twelve to race go-karts by himself. They didn’t go with him. … he only knew one individual over there. And as Connor tells it, he had to drive… he had to ride a bicycle up and down the road every day to get his dinner or his lunch, his breakfast, get his haircut, get his mail, do everything at twelve. And you know, I’m sure he had some guidance, but how that matured him is insane.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Without his parents at his side, Connor was accompanied by mechanic Gary Willis and the two became a close-knit duo as they based themselves out of Desenzano del Garda in Italy. Zilisch often reminisces about these formative days, stating,
“I told my dad this is what I wanted to do. Gary and I would fly over and we’d have an apartment or Airbnb for three to four weeks. We’d hit Italy, Spain, France—basically all Western Europe. Looking back on it now, I didn’t realize how insane it was. Those were the coolest days of my life.”
—Connor Zilisch, driver
Comparisons to NASCAR Legends Backed by Results
While tales of grit and unconventional journeys inspire admiration, the numbers behind Zilisch’s season solidify his reputation. Through 21 races in the 2025 Xfinity Series, he’s notched five victories, with three coming consecutively, and stands second in the points rankings. His driving acumen is evident not only in wins but also the ability to regularly contend at the front, leading 425 laps and securing 10 top-five and 12 top-ten finishes. These achievements mirror the early dominance shown by Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson during their meteoric rises. Like them, Zilisch doesn’t simply capitalize on opportunity—he consistently shapes the outcome of races through adaptability, tactical thinking, and a steady temperament under pressure.
The NASCAR Hall of Fame and countless insiders have noted that, while mistakes and growing pains are natural for a rookie, Zilisch’s foundation for long-term success is undeniably strong.
“He might be even more… sort of a rare… he might be even more rare than that, uh, because I don’t know, man. If you all get a chance to spend time around him, you’ll realize how mature he is, and… and um, I think there’s probably a lot of parents in the room… um, that would be amazed at his level of maturity at eighteen years old.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Mental Toughness from Early Independence
Zilisch’s early experiences navigating life alone in Western Europe have furnished him with a brand of mental strength rarely seen in teenagers. Dale Earnhardt Jr. emphasized how these formative years overseas contributed directly to Zilisch’s present-day composure: his decision-making, on-track patience, and keen ability to adapt rapidly outpace those of most peers. This mental edge, cultivated outside the comfort zone of home, may well be what tips the scales in Zilisch’s favor as he continues to contend with seasoned competitors.
Milestone Triumph: JR Motorsports’ 100th Xfinity Win
The 100th victory for JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Indianapolis was an emotional high point for both team and driver. Dale Earnhardt Jr., serving as team owner and mentor, clearly felt the significance, expressing,
“Great place to win one hundred. I’m glad because I had some obligations that were gonna keep me away from the track next week, and I was worried we were gonna have to win one hundred and I wouldn’t be there.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr.
The hard-fought win was a united effort, not just an individual accomplishment, with Earnhardt Jr. reflecting on his pride in the entire JR Motorsports roster:
“Connor and Crew did a great job building a great car to obviously get to win. Uh, it’s tough to see Justin go out like he did. He wanted to win that one hundredth win for us. All our drivers want that,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr. The achievement thus symbolizes the culmination of sustained teamwork and resilience, resonating deeply with Earnhardt Jr. and the broader organization.
Marking milestones with personal presence matters to Earnhardt Jr., who underlined the emotional import to himself and the organization, stating,
“Ultimately, this is a big deal for our company.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr. The milestone not only punctuates Zilisch’s season of record-breaking success but elevates the morale and history of the entire team, forming a deeply personal and public legacy within the NASCAR paddock.
A New Standard for Rising Stars
The continually rising trajectory of Connor Zilisch sets a new benchmark for what’s possible for young talents entering NASCAR’s national series. By combining the fortitude gained from formative years in foreign countries with a driven—and highly productive—rookie season, Zilisch is shifting perceptions about how future superstars are made. His five wins, second-place ranking, and impressive showcase in the Xfinity Series are being watched closely by veterans, team leaders, and fans alike. The likes of Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, both frequent names in Zilisch comparisons, now share the racing conversation with him, as he steadily fashions a legacy of his own.
As observers debate whether Connor Zilisch will follow in the tire tracks of Gordon and Johnson, or continues carving a solitary path to greatness, one thing is clear: the “Connor Zilisch next NASCAR superstar” spotlight is now burning brighter than ever. The coming months will test his resolve, challenge his adaptability, and offer racing fans more chances to witness a new era unfold at breathtaking speed.
With the support of mentors like Dale Earnhardt Jr., a proven team at JR Motorsports, and unwavering belief from veterans such as A.J. Allmendinger, the future for Zilisch, the organization, and NASCAR at large, looks intensely promising and charged with the thrill of possibility.
