Connor Zilisch NASCAR Xfinity dominance has become a pivotal narrative of the 2025 racing season, as the 19-year-old sensation continues to shatter expectations and draw comparisons to legendary figures like Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson. Zilisch, who has shown remarkable consistency and skill, remains determined to forge his own path despite the mounting comparisons and attention from fans and analysts alike.
This year, Zilisch has firmly established himself as much more than a rookie, securing 10 race victories—a milestone that places him in rare company alongside accomplished drivers such as Kyle Busch within the Xfinity Series. Reaching double-digit wins in a single season is a feat that only select drivers have matched, illustrating just how extraordinary Zilisch’s 2025 campaign has been.
Zilisch’s impact isn’t limited to race wins. His exceptional performances during qualifying sessions have led to eight pole positions so far this season, further reinforcing his dominance on the track. In addition to these top starts, he has built a consistent record of finishing within the top five and top ten, which has powered him to the lead in the Xfinity Series playoff points standings.
Staying Grounded Amid Comparisons to Legends
With increasing attention comes intensified comparisons to NASCAR greats Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, and even to international icons like Max Verstappen. Speaking before the Xfinity Series qualifying event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where he secured the outside pole position with a lap time of 30.215 seconds, Zilisch addressed these comparisons in an interview with CBS Sports and Steven Taranto.
“I try not to read into it or listen to it too much because I don’t want it to really affect what I’m doing and I don’t want to let people try and tell me who I am. It’s easy to get a big ego and to let the noise get to you and change who you are, and that’s not what I want to do. I want to continue to just be me, and I don’t want to let any outside noise affect me or what I’m doing.”
— Connor Zilisch, Driver
“It’s easy to hear those things and try and tell yourself you’re somewhere as good as a guy like (Jeff Gordon). But in reality, I haven’t even made it to the Cup Series full-time yet.”
— Connor Zilisch, Driver
Zilisch’s mature outlook underscores his awareness of the challenges that come with fame and expectations at such a young age. He is focused on his journey, continually working toward the next stage of his burgeoning career rather than letting outside voices alter his priorities.
Zilisch’s Qualifying Strength and Race Day Success
During the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Zilisch performed exceptionally well, locking in the outside pole position with a swift lap time. His teammate at JR Motorsports, Justin Allgaier, narrowly edged him out for pole position with a slightly faster time of 30.157 seconds. Despite missing the top spot, Zilisch’s start from the front row marked his 15th appearance at the sharp end of the grid this season, reflecting his relentless pace and competitiveness throughout the year.
His consistent qualifying form and ability to translate those starts into race victories or strong finishes have set him apart among young drivers on the Xfinity circuit. These performances only add to the growing anticipation around his eventual move to the elite Cup Series.
Comparing the Challenge: NASCAR Xfinity vs. Formula 1 Heights
Not only does Zilisch downplay direct comparisons to NASCAR legends, but he also recognizes the unique hurdles he faces in his sport compared to global icons like Max Verstappen. In conversation with CBS Sports, Zilisch highlighted the stark differences between breaking into Formula 1 and advancing to the top levels of NASCAR:
“I know the jump to the Cup Series is nothing easy, and it’s going to be tough no matter what and no matter who you are. I feel that just the way he was brought up, it might be a little bit easier for him, and especially in F1, with how car-dependent it is. I feel it’s easier to rise to the occasion,”
he said.
— Connor Zilisch, Driver
Zilisch acknowledged Verstappen’s rapid ascent in Formula 1 at just 17 years old, noting that while both motorsport arenas require enormous talent, the path to the top in NASCAR presents its own set of demanding obstacles. This measured perspective reflects Zilisch’s maturity as he prepares to take the next steps in his racing career.
Dominant Recent Performances and the Road Ahead
One of the standout moments in Zilisch’s 2025 season came during the Blue Cross NC 250 at the Charlotte Roval, where he led 61 out of 68 laps—a commanding performance that left little doubt about his current form. With such victories under his belt, expectations are rising as Zilisch eyes the move to a full-time NASCAR Cup Series seat in 2026, set to join Trackhouse Racing and replace Daniel Suarez.
The anticipation around this transition is heightened by Zilisch’s rare combination of raw speed, consistency, and level-headed attitude. NASCAR observers, industry figures, and fans alike are eager to see whether Zilisch can replicate his rapid ascent and sustained dominance as he graduates to the Cup Series.
The Broader Impact of Zilisch’s Xfinity Run
Connor Zilisch’s 2025 run in the NASCAR Xfinity Series is not just a personal triumph—it reverberates throughout the sport, providing a new benchmark for what young racing talent can achieve. His rapid development also has implications for teams like JR Motorsports, Trackhouse Racing, and other organizations that rely on cultivating the next wave of elite drivers ready to compete at the sport’s highest levels.
As the season progresses and Zilisch continues to draw comparisons to household names, the racing world will be watching closely to see if he maintains his focus and resilience. With the Xfinity championship in sight and the allure of the Cup Series on the horizon, Zilisch stands poised to shape NASCAR’s future, bringing vibrant energy and passion to audiences everywhere.
Connor Zilisch qualifies on the outside pole for tonight's Xfinity Series race at Las Vegas – A place where drivers he has been compared to, including Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, have won plenty of times before.
Considering people have gone as far as to draw a parallel… https://t.co/EvbL8BBSLU pic.twitter.com/RUyBoTQ5gr
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) October 11, 2025
In earning a Cup ride at 19, Connor Zilisch has drawn direct comparisons to F1's Max Verstappen, who likewise made it to the highest level as a teenager and succeeded. I recently asked Zilisch about that comparison, especially given his background in open wheel.
Zilisch noted… pic.twitter.com/KSFdxy80ud
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) October 10, 2025
