Connor Zilisch Xfinity Series wins reached a new milestone on Saturday, as the 19-year-old driver notched his 10th victory this season at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL. By dominating the Blue Cross NC 250, Zilisch joined NASCAR legends Sam Ard and Kyle Busch as one of just three drivers in the 43-year history of the NASCAR Xfinity Series to earn ten or more wins in a single year.
Zilisch delivered a commanding performance, leading 61 out of 68 laps at his home track in Mooresville, North Carolina. The victory marks his 11th career NASCAR Xfinity Series triumph, making his rookie campaign one of the most successful ever in the second-tier racing series.
Dominant Performance and Critical Strategy
Throughout the race, Zilisch outpaced the competition, particularly excelling on road courses this season. The pivotal decision came from crew chief Mardy Lindley, who opted to keep Zilisch’s No. 88 WeatherTech Chevrolet on the track as the field readied for overtime. This strategic move provided the crucial advantage needed to protect the lead in the closing moments. Zilisch held off a fierce charge from Sammy Smith, who raced to third place on fresh tires after a late-race caution for fluid on the course.
Describing his experience after crossing the finish line, Zilisch shared invaluable insight into his mindset and the significance of racing at his home track.
“So much fun getting to race in my hometown,”
Zilisch told The CW.
“JR Motorsports cars were so fast this weekend, and yeah, my WeatherTech Chevrolet was as fast as Xfinity Mobile all day long. First in practice, qualified on pole, led a lot of laps, and came home with a win. It feels really good to get 10 [wins]. Double digits is pretty awesome for my first year in this series. Now, we just gotta go win a championship.”
– Connor Zilisch, Driver
Challengers and Key Finishes
The most significant challenge to Zilisch came during the final restart, when Austin Green in the No. 87 Chevrolet, racing for Jordan Anderson Racing, pulled level with him heading into Turn 1. Although Green briefly challenged for the lead, Zilisch quickly regained his position and maintained control for the remainder of the evening. Green, whose father David Green won the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship in 1994, claimed a personal best second-place finish, his second career top-five and first of the year.
Sammy Smith, driving the No. 8 Pilot Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, finished third. Smith benefited from a late caution that provided an unexpected opportunity to secure his place in the next round of the Xfinity Series Playoffs. He reflected on the day’s efforts and his team’s hard work:
“It was a hard-fought day, for sure. We brought speed. I’m very proud of our effort that we put in this week to be able to put ourselves in this position,”
Smith explained in a post-race interview on The CW.
“We knew it was going to take a lot, so I’m very proud of everyone at JRM, everyone on my team.”
– Sammy Smith, Driver
Kaz Grala, piloting the No. 24 for Sam Hunt Racing, secured a fourth-place finish, matching his personal best in the Xfinity Series. Connor Mosack, making a one-time appearance in the No. 9 for JR Motorsports, completed the top five.
Drama in the Playoffs and Race Standings
Jeb Burton, representing Jordan Anderson Racing, ended the day sixth, placing another car for his team in the top-10. The remainder of the top-10 included William Sawalich in seventh, followed by Justin Allgaier, Nick Sanchez, and Christian Eckes.
Sizable names in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs such as Sheldon Creed, Jesse Love, Taylor Gray, Carson Kvapil, Brandon Jones, Sam Mayer, Austin Hill, and Harrison Burton did not reach the top-10. Both Hill and Burton entered the night below the Championship cutline and faced mechanical issues, leading to their elimination from playoff contention. Despite Nick Sanchez finishing ninth and Taylor Gray’s efforts, both were also knocked out of the running for the next round.
The Road Ahead in the Xfinity Series Playoffs
The eight remaining playoff contenders—Connor Zilisch, Sammy Smith, Justin Allgaier, Sheldon Creed, Jesse Love, Carson Kvapil, Brandon Jones, and Sam Mayer—will advance to contend for the Championship 4. The next stage of the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs will kick off at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 11, where drivers and teams will continue their push for the championship.
Zilisch’s record-breaking rookie season not only spotlights his talent but also intensifies the championship fight among the Xfinity Series’ top competitors. As rising stars and veteran names alike prepare for the next showdown, fans can expect even more passionate competition, determined strategy, and memorable moments as the postseason unfolds.
A late-race surge pays off!@sammysmithSS is through to the Round of 8! pic.twitter.com/UdFHPLX5dg
— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) October 4, 2025
