During an intense showdown in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Connor Zilisch clashed with Aric Almirola in a heated fight for second place, thrusting the spotlight on the rising JR Motorsports driver in his first season. The highly-charged playoff event, a pivotal moment in the Connor Zilisch NASCAR Xfinity Series story, set off emotions as the racing phenom fought to secure his eleventh victory of the 2025 campaign.
Zilisch Battles Almirola in High-Intensity Playoff Race
Connor Zilisch, competing in his inaugural Xfinity season for JR Motorsports under NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., entered the Focused Health 302 at Las Vegas leading the championship with 3,071 points. Earlier in the year, he captured the 100th win for JR Motorsports with a triumph at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, highlighting a breakout season that positioned him at the forefront of the series.
As the 201-lap Las Vegas playoff race unfolded, Almirola matched Zilisch’s aggression move-for-move. Despite not being eligible for the playoffs, Almirola proved a tenacious competitor, pushing Zilisch to the limit in an intense fight for second place. The race reached a boiling point when Zilisch feared Almirola’s tactics could cause a crash, prompting a raw radio exchange.
“This motherf*** is going to make me crash out.”
—Connor Zilisch, Driver
“Give it back to him,”
—Mardy Lindley, Crew Chief
While Zilisch was frustrated on the radio, Almirola, with three prior wins, six top-five, and nine top-10 finishes this season, showed why he remains a threat in any race. Ultimately, Almirola outpaced the field, sweeping all three stages and claiming his fourth win of 2025. Zilisch came home second, followed by Justin Allgaier, Corey Day, and Nick Sanchez rounding out the top five.
Intensity of the Championship Chase Grows
The emotions from Las Vegas continued to simmer as Zilisch reflected on a race that nearly slipped away, even as he held his position atop the playoff standings. The young driver was candid about the struggles he faced during the closing laps.
“I just could not wrap the line, we were just really loose”, Connor Zilisch reflected on his final run to the finish line. “The frustration comes from how much this means to me and my team to lock into Phoenix… plus 82 (on the cutline) is not bad but another win sticker would have been cool.”
—Connor Zilisch, Driver
Zilisch’s impressive points tally and consistent performances keep him on course for a championship berth in Phoenix, but the missed win at Las Vegas clearly hit hard for the young driver and his team.
With the Las Vegas race in the books, Zilisch’s rivals, including Justin Allgaier and Corey Day, remain within striking distance in the playoff hunt. Almirola’s victory, despite not being in the hunt for the championship, was a reminder that non-playoff drivers can still shape the season’s outcomes.
Looking Ahead: Next Stop Talladega and a Cup Series Debut
Connor Zilisch now turns his focus to the United Rentals 250 at Talladega Superspeedway, scheduled for October 18. Fans can catch the race on CW at 4 p.m. ET or listen live on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio as the intensity of the playoff season builds.
Zilisch Reflects on Formula One, Max Verstappen, and His NASCAR Future
With eyes on the future, Zilisch will graduate to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026 as part of Trackhouse Racing, acknowledging the steep challenges ahead. Drawing a comparison to Dutch F1 star Max Verstappen, Zilisch spoke openly about the differences between making it in Formula One and breaking through in NASCAR.
“Obviously, Max Verstappen is a once-in-a-generation talent, and it’s hard to say I’m going to be like him and have as successful a jump to the highest level as he did. 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.”
—Connor Zilisch, Driver
“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,” Connor Zilisch continued. “I feel it’s easier to rise to the occasion. I think it is going to be a bit of a harder jump than maybe a guy like Max Verstappen going to F1.”
—Connor Zilisch, Driver
Zilisch etched his name into the NASCAR record books by becoming the youngest driver since 2008 to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series, making his debut at age 18 at Circuit of the Americas in March 2025. He is also the youngest Xfinity Series debutant to earn a victory, clinching a win at Watkins Glen in September 2024.
Key figures such as Dale Earnhardt Jr., team owner and mentor, and Mardy Lindley, Zilisch’s crew chief, have played pivotal roles in his progress. Racing media, including Dustin Albino, have documented Zilisch’s journey as his intense competitive spirit continues to be tested by experienced rivals.
The Road Ahead for a Rising NASCAR Star
As the NASCAR Xfinity Series season heads toward its climax, Connor Zilisch faces continued pressure from both playoff contenders and formidable non-playoff racers like Aric Almirola. The events at Las Vegas Motor Speedway not only deepened the stakes for Zilisch’s title ambitions but also provided a glimpse into his temperament and determination.
The focus now shifts to Talladega, where another chapter in Zilisch’s remarkable debut season will unfold. Racing fans and key entities in the NASCAR community watch closely as Zilisch navigates both immediate playoff challenges and a promising future at the sport’s highest level.
"This motherf***** is going to make me crash out" Connor Zilisch says, racing Aric Almirola for second.
"Give it back to him" Mardy Lindley encourages. #NASCAR
— Dustin Albino (@DustinAlbino) October 11, 2025
