Justin Allgaier remains optimistic that JR Motorsports can secure another championship as the series heads toward the finals in Phoenix, even as Connor Zilisch’s recent dominant performances have taken the spotlight. With all four JRM drivers in the playoffs and Allgaier closely trailing Zilisch by 29 points, the team is positioned strongly to pursue the title—fueling Allgaier’s confidence in JRM’s championship prospects.
JR Motorsports Builds Momentum Heading Into Playoffs
Throughout the season, Connor Zilisch has been instrumental for JR Motorsports, helping “elevate” the team’s performance despite inconsistent finishes for some members. Allgaier acknowledged Zilisch’s impact but emphasized the collective effort across the four-car operation. Currently, each JRM driver has qualified for the playoffs, though Carson Kvapil sits just below the cutline. Zilisch now leads both the drivers’ points table and, alongside Allgaier, has contributed to a combined 13 team wins, leading the owner’s championship as well.
Allgaier started the season strong but has faced challenges in recent races, fluctuating from top-10 finishes to more modest results. Still, he has continued to lead laps and maintain competitive qualifying positions. Looking back on these mixed results, Allgaier appeared on SiriusXM NASCAR and voiced his determination to mount a comeback in the remaining playoff races.
“Connor has has really carried Junior Motorsports here this last two months,”
Justin Allgaier said,
“but it’s been from help from everybody right. Everybody has elevated our program, even though we may not show it in the finishes.”
—Justin Allgaier, Driver
“I think that our company going into these playoffs as a whole is way stronger than we were six months ago, eight months ago, a year ago, and if we were able to win a championship a year ago, there’s no doubt in my mind that Junior Motorsports shouldn’t take home a trophy after Phoenix is over,”
he added. —Justin Allgaier, Driver
Last year, Allgaier clinched the overall title with a second-place finish at Phoenix, while Zilisch finished fourth, highlighting both drivers’ strengths at the championship venue.
Expert Predictions Set Stage for Allgaier and Zilisch Rivalry
Denny Hamlin, representing Joe Gibbs Racing, added his perspective on the Xfinity Series title race during a recent appearance on Actions Detrimental. He picked Justin Allgaier as his choice for the 2025 Xfinity Series champion, pointing to Allgaier’s proven track record at Phoenix as a potential deciding factor in the final showdown against Zilisch.
“If he makes it to Phoenix, he’ll be the favorite. 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,”
Hamlin said. —Denny Hamlin, Driver
Allgaier, reflecting on his regular season title battle with Zilisch, recognized the rookie’s breakout success but noted that championship outcomes often diverge from regular season standings. He pointed out that he captured the series title last year, even after conceding the regular season championship. On the other side, Zilisch has achieved nine wins and wrapped up the regular season championship in just his rookie campaign—an impressive feat given his early struggles.
Playoff Opener Sets the Stage at Bristol
The championship contest now shifts to Bristol Motor Speedway for the playoff opener. As the Food City 300 approaches on Friday, September 12 at 7:30 PM ET, fans can tune in via CW Sports, SiriusXM, and PRN for live coverage. With both Allgaier and Zilisch vying for the title, JR Motorsports enters the postseason as a powerful force, backed by experience, momentum, and fierce determination.
The high stakes of this playoff run not only highlight the individual talents of drivers like Justin Allgaier and Connor Zilisch but also underscore the collaborative strength of JR Motorsports. Heading into Phoenix, the team’s collective progress and resilience could prove decisive in their pursuit of another championship trophy.
