Connor Zilisch made NASCAR history on Saturday, September 27, 2025, by setting a new Xfinity Series record for consecutive top-five finishes at Kansas Speedway. The 19-year-old racer secured his 16th straight top-five result, surpassing the previous mark and placing his name in the record books for the 2025 season. The accomplishment marks a major milestone for both Zilisch and the series, capturing attention for its significance and the level of competition required to achieve it. As the most recent event contributes to the Connor Zilisch Xfinity Series record, race fans and competitors alike acknowledged the achievement at one of the playoff’s most crucial stages.
Breaking the Longstanding Top-Five Finishes Record
In the final laps of the playoff race, Zilisch finished just behind Brandon Jones, clinching second place and guaranteeing his 16th consecutive finish among the top five competitors. This performance broke the previous Xfinity Series record of 15 consecutive top-five finishes set by Sam Ard in 1983, marking an important evolution in the stat book for the national touring series.
“Sweet 16.@ConnorZilisch breaks Sam Ard’s #XfinitySeries record for consecutive top five finishes & is locked into the Round of 8. pic.twitter.com/EGvxPYadia”
— Xfinity Racing, @XfinityRacing
Sustained Excellence Through Adversity
Zilisch’s season has included nine race victories, with his streak dating back to the Talladega event on April 26, after which he faced adversity due to a back injury suffered in a crash on the final lap. The injury forced him to miss the subsequent race at Texas Motor Speedway on May 3. Despite this setback, Zilisch returned to the track with renewed determination, amassing eight additional wins, including three after a fall in victory lane at Watkins Glen on August 9, demonstrating his resilience and unwavering focus.
Recognition and Reflections on the Record
When asked about his remarkable streak, Zilisch credited his team’s support and the performance of his equipment:
“It just shows that these JR Motorsports cars are as fast as Xfinity Mobile every week,”
Zilisch told the CW broadcast when asked about the streak.
“It’s really cool to not only have that record, but also go 16 weeks without a DNF.”
— Connor Zilisch, Driver
Positioning for the Playoffs and What Lies Ahead
Securing second place at Kansas locked Zilisch into the Round of 8 in the Xfinity Series playoffs, ensuring he enters the upcoming race at Charlotte Roval without the pressure of elimination. As the playoffs intensify, the record-breaking driver will attempt to add further victories to his historic season, representing teams and sponsors such as JR Motorsports and maintaining high expectations from fans and industry observers.
Zilisch’s performance continues to echo through the NASCAR community, involving references to legends like Sam Ard and contemporary rivals including Brandon Jones. The focus now shifts to the Charlotte Roval, where Zilisch will race for a win with this new record under his belt, inspiring both veteran followers and emerging racers who see a new benchmark in the Xfinity Series.
Sweet 16.@ConnorZilisch breaks Sam Ard's #XfinitySeries record for consecutive top five finishes & is locked into the Round of 8. pic.twitter.com/EGvxPYadia
— Xfinity Racing (@XfinityRacing) September 27, 2025
