Denny Hamlin predicts Zilisch playoff upset despite the rookie’s extraordinary season, anticipating that the young driver’s championship pursuit may face a dramatic twist as the NASCAR playoffs get underway. With Connor Zilisch’s historic run and rising status, uncertainty now overshadows his seemingly unstoppable campaign heading into the championship battle.
Connor Zilisch’s Rookie Season Sets New Benchmarks
Throughout his rookie year, Connor Zilisch has surged past expectations, rewriting racing records and stacking victories that place him among NASCAR’s elite. With nine wins this season—including a key success at Gateway—Zilisch clinched the regular-season title driving for JR Motorsports. His performance has awarded him 15 extra playoff points, establishing a significant advantage as the postseason approaches.
At just 19, Zilisch became the youngest competitor in Xfinity Series history to achieve 10 career wins, a feat previously held by the likes of Joey Logano and Kyle Busch. His relentless momentum includes four consecutive victories, and with seven races left in 2025, Zilisch stands within reach of matching or even surpassing Busch’s record of 13 wins in one Xfinity Series season.
Denny Hamlin Cautions Against Assuming a Championship Win
Despite enthusiasm from fans and pundits that Zilisch’s breakout year will culminate in a series title, Denny Hamlin offers a starkly different forecast. On his ‘Actions Detrimental’ podcast, Hamlin acknowledged Zilisch’s outstanding skill and credited JR Motorsports for its robust performance. However, Hamlin has publicly stated that he does not expect Zilisch to secure the championship.
Hamlin’s reservations are not based on any perceived flaws in Zilisch’s driving or team chemistry. Rather, he points to the unpredictable nature of the playoff structure, which funnels the season to a single decisive race at Phoenix Raceway. This track has historically favored Justin Allgaier, Zilisch’s teammate and chief rival, who brings considerable experience and two victories at Phoenix with numerous top-10 finishes in 29 appearances.
Hamlin shared his thoughts directly:
If he makes it to Phoenix, he’ll be the favourite,
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Cup Series driver. He continued,
But against Justin, who’s elite there, I’m gonna make a wild prediction. I think the 88 wins ten races and does not win the championship. I don’t know it’s that wild with this format, but I don’t know. I think it’s gonna be tough.
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Cup Series driver.
Hamlin draws on his own extensive experience to highlight how the NASCAR playoff system demands near-perfect execution under immense pressure, regardless of prior dominance over the season.
The Road Ahead for Connor Zilisch
Regardless of whether Hamlin’s prediction holds true, Zilisch’s debut season has already established him as one of the brightest young talents in the sport. His record-breaking performance, poise under spotlight, and adaptability have marked him as a prodigy destined for even greater challenges ahead.
As the playoffs commence, attention will focus on whether Zilisch can convert his regular-season brilliance into a championship trophy or if the playoff structure—and Justin Allgaier’s mastery at Phoenix—will prove decisive. Whatever the outcome, Zilisch’s achievements at just 19 signal a promising future, with expectations of continued success and new records for years to come.
