Connor Zilisch, a rising star in NASCAR, is preparing for back-to-back races at the challenging Charlotte ROVAL this October, as he sets his sights on an ambitious double-header. With his talent previously displayed in both the Truck and Xfinity Series, Zilisch’s Charlotte ROVAL attempt will showcase his adaptability at one of the schedule’s most demanding hybrid tracks, blending road course and oval skills.
Spire Motorsports recently announced Zilisch’s participation in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoff Race, happening on Friday, October 3, 2025. Shortly after, he’ll return for the Blue Cross NC 250—his sixth Truck start with Spire—on Saturday, October 4, testing his versatility without prior racing experience on the 2.32-mile circuit. The team expressed their excitement, stating:
“Putting a winner in the truck. @ConnorZilisch will pilot our No. 7 Delaware Life Chevrolet Silverado RST at the Charlotte ROVAL!”
—Spire Motorsports
Zilisch’s Rising Stock in NASCAR’s Top Development Series
Though relatively new to this circuit, Connor Zilisch first made headlines with his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut for Spire Motorsports in 2024 at the Circuit of the Americas, finishing an impressive fourth. Since then, Zilisch has completed seven races in the series but is still seeking his first trip to victory lane. His Charlotte ROVAL campaign will see him go head-to-head with established competitors like Corey Heim, adding further intrigue to his double-duty schedule.
Beyond the Truck Series, Zilisch’s momentum in the 2025 Xfinity Series season is evident. He delivered a dramatic four-win streak, starting at Watkins Glen International and culminating at Gateway, emphasizing his ability to excel on both road courses and conventional ovals. Motivated by this run, Spire Motorsports is putting its faith in Zilisch for this critical weekend, allowing him to demonstrate his talents behind the wheel of the #7 Delaware Life Chevrolet Silverado RST at Charlotte.
Xfinity Series Playoff Hopes and Consistent Performance
Zilisch, at just 19 years old, leads the Xfinity Series points standings for JR Motorsports after a breakout rookie full-time season. He secured the regular-season title and clinched a playoff spot with a victorious showing at Circuit of the Americas. Zilisch’s 2025 record is remarkable—nine wins, eighteen top-tens, sixteen top-fives, and seven poles across twenty-six starts—which places him as a favorite to advance deep into the postseason.
Reflecting on his playoff prospects and approach, he commented on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Ch. 90:
“I feel like I would have to have three really bad days to not make it to at least the round of eight. And especially with the roval in there, I feel like that’s going to be a really good race for us, another road course for me. Just with how fast our cars have been lately, I feel like as long as we do our job and execute, we have the chance to go get more playoff points for the next round.”
—Connor Zilisch, Driver, JR Motorsports
“So our goal remains the same. We’re going to show up every week and try and win the race and do our best to lead laps and run up front. I feel like that’s worked for us the last three or four months, so I don’t see why we’d change it,” he added.
—Connor Zilisch, Driver, JR Motorsports
What Zilisch’s Double Duty Means for NASCAR and Fans
With a points buffer of eighty-five over the playoff cutoff, Zilisch appears poised to maintain his lead and build momentum heading toward the Xfinity Series Round of 8. His Charlotte ROVAL attempt—balancing the demands of both Truck and Xfinity events on consecutive days—will put his stamina, flexibility, and racing intelligence to the test. For fans and analysts alike, the Charlotte weekend may further cement Connor Zilisch’s reputation as one of NASCAR’s most exciting emerging talents.
His performances don’t just contribute to his team’s playoff hopes, but also invigorate the broader field, as drivers like Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and Ryan Blaney set high standards throughout the season. The Charlotte ROVAL double header will be watched closely by the NASCAR community, with Zilisch, Spire Motorsports, JR Motorsports, and their rivals all hoping to make headlines as the playoffs intensify.
Putting a winner in the truck.
@ConnorZilisch will pilot our No. 7 Delaware Life Chevrolet Silverado RST at the Charlotte ROVAL! pic.twitter.com/pBMAllHhWf— Spire Motorsports (@SpireMotorsport) September 25, 2025
