Connor Zilisch captured the ROVAL pole position for Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, making headlines not only for his performance but also for leading a sweeping effort by JR Motorsports. In a remarkable feat, Zilisch’s teammates will also occupy positions two through five, a first in NASCAR National Series history.
Zilisch’s Standout Qualifying Run Sets the Pace
Guiding the No. 88 WeatherTech Chevrolet, Connor Zilisch posted a blistering 85.054-second lap, clocking in at 96.503 mph. This time put him nearly half a second ahead of his closest rival, Justin Allgaier, who is both a teammate and primary contender in the championship battle. The accomplishment underscores Zilisch’s growing reputation as a dominant force on road courses throughout 2025.
JR Motorsports Locks Out the Top Five
JR Motorsports made NASCAR history as all five starting spots at the front of the grid will be filled by their drivers. Allgaier, from Riverton, Illinois, will mark his 500th Xfinity Series start from the outside of the front row. Connor Mosack, a regular competitor in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, secured third place, equaling his best qualifying effort for JR Motorsports, previously achieved at the Chicago Street Course.
Sammy Smith has notably improved his road course results this season and will take the fourth position. Completing the top five is Carson Kvapil, who is still a rookie in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and continues to prove his developing skills behind the wheel.
Emerging Talents and Veteran Presence in the ROVAL Lineup
Corey Day, representing Hendrick Motorsports in the No. 17 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, impressively qualified sixth in just his second Xfinity Series start on a road course. He secured this spot with a timely effort during the final qualifying group.
Among playoff participants, Sam Mayer and Jesse Love earned the seventh and eighth spots. Mayer, a two-time defending winner at the Charlotte ROVAL, achieved both victories piloting for JR Motorsports and will look to defend his record with another strong run this weekend.
Kaz Grala adds another layer of depth to the lineup, starting ninth in the No. 24 Overplay Games Toyota GR Supra for Sam Hunt Racing. Grala’s experience as the reserve driver for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB and prior involvement in Xfinity Series road events with Sam Hunt brings valuable experience into Saturday’s contest.
Austin Green, who previously captured victory in the ARCA Menards Series event on the Charlotte oval this year, rounds out the top 10. Driving for Jordan Anderson Racing in the No. 87 Chevrolet, Green is known for his successful road racing exploits in the Xfinity Series.
Playoff Implications and Notable Qualifiers
Despite their playoff ambitions, contenders Sheldon Creed, Nick Sanchez, Austin Hill, Taylor Gray, and Brandon Jones qualified outside the top 10, landing in positions 13th, 14th, 16th, 17th, and 23rd, respectively. Missing the front rows could influence their strategies and potential progress in the championship race.
Looking Ahead to the Blue Cross NC 250
The Blue Cross NC 250 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, at 5:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on The CW, Performance Racing Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. With Connor Zilisch on the pole and JR Motorsports achieving an extraordinary lockout of the top five, the race promises to deliver both compelling competition and a chance for further milestones in the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season.
A visual representation of how we’re lining up to start the race today 💪 pic.twitter.com/OKuXEcLrm1
— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) October 4, 2025
Another road course, another pole.@ConnorZilisch will be the first to see green today at @CLTMotorSpdwy! pic.twitter.com/DBSm6gbg3F
— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) October 4, 2025
