Dale Earnhardt Jr. set the racing world talking with one simple post. A picture showed Connor Zilisch behind the wheel of his own car inside the upcoming NASCAR 25 video game. The moment sparked new attention on both the young driver and the long-awaited title. With Dale Earnhardt Jr. calling Zilisch a future superstar and the game promising fresh excitement for fans, the brief look raised more questions than answers about what could be coming next.
Key Highlights
Dale Earnhardt Jr. shares screenshot of Connor Zilisch playtesting NASCAR 25 as himself.
Fans joke about driver matchups and call for more gameplay footage.
Zilisch continues to dominate the 2025 Xfinity Series season with five wins.
Dale Jr. praises Zilisch as a “marketable, household name” capable of becoming NASCAR’s next big superstar.
NASCAR 25 releases October 14, developed by iRacing for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and later on PC.
A Viral Moment for NASCAR Gaming
The screenshot showed Connor Zilisch behind the wheel of his own No. 88 JR Motorsports ride inside NASCAR 25, seemingly enjoying the rare opportunity to virtually race as himself. Dale Jr.’s tweet turned what could have been a quiet development day into a trending topic.
Fans quickly piled on with reactions, blending humor and anticipation for the game. One fan joked, “I wanna see someone play test as someone else. I wanna see Kyle Larson in Kris Wright’s car.” Another chimed in, “Alright. I want to see one of us random r/NASCAR members up against a driver. Both on controller, in chase view.”
The common theme was excitement—but also curiosity. As one fan put it, “I like that they don’t care that RFK, Dale Jr., etc. are showing us pictures of people playing, but please show us some actual gameplay.”
With NASCAR 25 marking the series’ first major console release since 2021’s ill-fated NASCAR 21: Ignition, expectations are sky-high. Developed by iRacing, the title promises authentic physics, full career modes across Cup, Xfinity, Truck, and ARCA series, and a polished experience fans have long been craving.
“It’s @ConnorZilisch driving as @ConnorZilisch today. #NASCAR25.” – Dale Jr.
It's @ConnorZilisch driving as @ConnorZilisch today #NASCAR25 pic.twitter.com/nsKMGk92Nv
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) July 30, 2025
Connor Zilisch’s Meteoric Rise Adds to the Buzz
Connor Zilisch’s inclusion in NASCAR 25 isn’t just a novelty—it’s a sign of his rapid rise to stardom. At only 19 years old, Zilisch is rewriting records in his first full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series season. His victory at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway earlier this month marked his fifth win of 2025, his third straight, and JR Motorsports’ milestone 100th Xfinity triumph.
The finish was pure drama. Passing Taylor Gray with just three laps remaining, Zilisch sealed the deal by holding off Sam Mayer by a mere 0.339 seconds. That clutch performance cemented his status as one of the sport’s most exciting young talents.
Dale Jr., who has mentored Zilisch through JR Motorsports, didn’t mince words when asked about his potential. “Household name. Marketable. Oh my god,” Earnhardt said recently. “We’re all clamoring for that next NASCAR superstar that could take us to Saturday Night Live or places where we don’t normally get, right? Connor’s got that kind of potential.”
Fans Envision the Future of NASCAR 25
With Connor Zilisch already playtesting the game, fans speculated about who else might make the roster. “Zilisch being in the game makes me wonder if Legge is in too,” one fan wrote, referring to veteran driver Katherine Legge. Another added, “Given that ARCA roster they released, I’d be surprised if they weren’t including anyone who’s been in a NASCAR vehicle in the last 18 months.”
Gameplay visuals also became a talking point. While many praised the look of the game, concerns about performance lingered. “Visually the game looks good. I am still concerned it might only run at 30 FPS on consoles,” a fan commented. Others were more optimistic, citing modern gaming standards.
One hopeful player said, “I hope there’s an option to change how fuel and tires are presented someday. I don’t want exact laps and percentages. I want guesstimates. I want to gamble my tires and fuel.” Another added, “Would be nice if there’s a random factor thrown in. Like if you take tires too far you risk a blowout.”
The Bigger Picture: Marketing Meets Momentum
For Dale Earnhardt Jr., sharing Zilisch’s NASCAR 25 test session wasn’t just fun—it was smart marketing. As one fan noted, “Dale was involved in development at a high level and TJ Majors is the voice of the in-game spotter. This is 100% marketing for the game.”
That synergy between a rising star, a legendary driver, and a long-awaited console title only builds anticipation. Zilisch, with his on-track dominance and youthful charisma, may very well become the face NASCAR gaming needs—a player who draws in new fans and elevates the sport’s mainstream visibility.
News in Brief: Dale Jr. Shows Connor Zilisch NASCAR 25
Connor Zilisch’s playtest of NASCAR 25 as himself, shared by Dale Earnhardt Jr., sparked widespread fan reaction and speculation ahead of the game’s October release. The 19-year-old phenom continues to dominate the Xfinity Series, earning praise from Earnhardt as a “household name” in the making. Fans are eager for more gameplay reveals while celebrating Zilisch’s rapid rise and growing presence in both real-world racing and virtual NASCAR experiences.
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