Dale Earnhardt Jr JR Motorsports has taken center stage in the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series, as three drivers from his team clinched spots among the four championship finalists after the pivotal penultimate race. This weekend’s event reshaped the championship race, with hopeful energy building ahead of the season’s conclusive showdown.
JR Motorsports Secures Triple Representation in Championship Showdown
In a stunning display at the IAA and Ritchie Bros. 250, the penultimate event of the NASCAR Xfinity Series season, all eyes were on Dale Earnhardt Jr. JR Motorsports, whose drivers dominated the championship qualifying. Connor Zilisch and Justin Allgaier, both from JR Motorsports, were already considered strong competitors, entering a high-pressure 38-car field last Saturday. The race itself saw Taylor Gray, driving the No. 54 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, capture his first career win, bringing extra attention to a dramatic finish.
Alongside Zilisch and Allgaier, Carson Kvapil, who drives the No. 1 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports and is the son of 2003 Craftsman Truck Series champion Travis Kvapil, secured the last available spot in the final four. The only contender not representing JR Motorsports is Jesse Love of Richard Childress Racing. As Jeff Gluck of The Athletic reported:
“Taylor Gray was too good in overtime! CLEAN FINISH. HE WINS! First career victory! Behind him, Carson Kvapil gets the last spot by four points over Brandon Jones. Final four: Zilisch, Allgaier, Love, Kvapil. Eliminated: Jones, Smith, Mayer, Creed.”
With the race completed and the series points reset, Connor Zilisch now leads the championship board. The Charlotte, North Carolina native has dominated the season with an impressive ten wins, 19 top-five finishes, and 22 top-10s after 31 races, fortifying his place as a top championship hopeful entering the final event.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Winning Debut as Crew Chief
Earlier this season, Dale Earnhardt Jr. took on an unusual role as crew chief for Connor Zilisch during the Explore the Pocono Mountains 250 at Pocono Raceway. Usually led by crew chief Mardy Lindley, Zilisch was guided by Earnhardt Jr. after Lindley received a one-race suspension for a technical infraction. In his first ever attempt as a crew chief, the two-time Xfinity Series champion led Zilisch to his inaugural oval-track victory, reflecting Earnhardt Jr.’s deep expertise and ability to inspire strong results under pressure.
“I felt like I really did have a role today that was probably even more than I anticipated,” Dale Earnhardt Jr. said in a statement. “But I did get a big assist from out of the gate.”
“All the guys on this team, we all sat down at meetings early in the week, understood what we needed to accomplish, had an idea in a game plan, right? We’d come off the trailer fast, car’s comfortable. That was helpful. So we were ready for the race,” he added.
This memorable moment further elevated confidence and hope on the team as they head into the championship finale, demonstrating the depth of talent and cohesion within JR Motorsports.
All Eyes Turn to Phoenix Raceway for the Grand Finale
With anticipation at its peak, the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Grand Finale is set for Saturday, November 1, at Phoenix Raceway. The climactic 200-lap event will be broadcast live on CW, with fans also able to follow the action on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Jesse Love, Justin Allgaier, Carson Kvapil, and Connor Zilisch—three representing Dale Earnhardt Jr JR Motorsports—will vie for the coveted championship title, promising a race marked by intense competition and high emotion.
The shift in championship prospects fueled by this season’s successes highlights JR Motorsports as a formidable force within NASCAR. As the final event approaches, the legacy of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the determination of the championship contenders are set to make the ultimate race an unforgettable battle for racing fans across the nation.
Taylor Gray was too good in overtime! CLEAN FINISH. HE WINS! First career victory!
Behind him, Carson Kvapil gets the last spot by four points over Brandon Jones.
Final four: Zilisch, Allgaier, Love, Kvapil.
Eliminated: Jones, Smith, Mayer, Creed
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) October 26, 2025
