Jesse Love overtook his championship rival and close friend Connor Zilisch at Phoenix Raceway on Saturday night, clinching the win and securing the Driver Championship title in the NASCAR Xfinity series. This dramatic conclusion saw the Connor Zilisch NASCAR Xfinity Championship hopes fall just short as Love emerged victorious in the season finale.
Love Leads a Thrilling Battle for the Crown
The fight for the title came down to Jesse Love representing Richard Childress Racing against the trio from JR Motorsports in the highly anticipated Championship Four. Love was the only finalist outside Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s team, making his victory even more impressive. At the checkered flag, Love crossed the line first, with Zilisch taking third, Justin Allgaier finishing fifth, and Carson Kvapil coming in 13th, marking the final standings for the contenders.
Throughout the 200-lap, 100-mile race, the cars from Richard Childress Racing and JR Motorsports showed remarkable speed during longer stretches, maintaining a fast pace in a contest that was largely uninterrupted by cautions. Although Love had not visited victory lane since his season-opening triumph at Daytona, he remained a consistent challenger all year.
Emotional Reactions and Acknowledgments from the Winner
Following the race, Jesse Love reflected on his achievement with evident emotion and gratitude.
It doesn’t feel real, it doesn’t feel real at all,
— Love, NASCAR Xfinity Series Driver.
I feel so clean and relieved. It’s been a tough year for me. I’ve put so much work into it, and people like my dad and Scott Speed have worked just as hard for my dream as I have.
— Love, NASCAR Xfinity Series Driver.
Key Moments That Decided the Race
Justin Allgaier, another Championship Four driver, delivered a commanding performance in the race’s middle segment, overtaking Zilisch and extending his lead by several tenths of a second over the pack. The pivotal moment occurred during a stage break and caution when Jesse Love’s efficient pit stop propelled him into the lead over Allgaier. Meanwhile, Zilisch’s slower stop dropped him back five positions.
The action intensified in the final segment as Allgaier regained the top spot by passing Love. However, with 52 laps remaining, Love challenged for the lead but was unable to complete the pass until three laps later, when a caution saw Ryan Sieg spun out by Christian Eckes, bunching up the contenders for a crucial restart.
During the ensuing pit stops, Allgaier encountered misfortune with a slow stop, falling to fifth place, while Zilisch restarted on the outside of the front row. Allgaier slotted in behind his teammate, preparing for a critical restart alongside Love.
Final Lap Drama as Zilisch and Love Duel
Before the final phases of the race resumed, Dale Earnhardt Jr. used team radio to reinforce strategy with Zilisch, who responded,
Connor, we talked about this moment early today in the truck,
— Connor Zilisch, Driver.
As the green flag waved again, Zilisch surged ahead, temporarily taking the lead from Love, who found himself embroiled in a three-way contest for position, slipping to fourth. Yet, Love closed in on Zilisch’s bumper with 26 laps left, and overtook him just two laps later. Demonstrating impressive speed, Love expanded his gap to 1.3 seconds with fewer than 10 laps remaining, while Almirola also moved past Zilisch.
Zilisch Earns Recognition in Rookie Season
Connor Zilisch’s campaign ended with third place in the race and second overall in the championship, capping off a debut season featuring 18 consecutive top-five finishes and 11 victories. Although missing out on the main title, Zilisch secured the Rookie of the Year honor, outperforming his JR Motorsports teammate Carson Kvarpil, who finished the lowest among the final four championship contenders in 13th.
Looking Ahead for Zilisch and Other Standouts
As the season wraps up, Zilisch’s future is bright, highlighted by his impressive rookie accomplishments. He recently claimed the Xfinity Regular Season title and is confirmed to move up to the Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing in 2026. Jesse Love, after starting the year with his win at Daytona, now ends it as the season champion, marking a breakthrough year for both drivers and their teams at Phoenix.
The intensity and determination shown by Jesse Love, Connor Zilisch, and the other Championship Four participants signal a dynamic shift in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Their performances at Phoenix Raceway will have a lasting impact, setting high expectations for the races still to come and for the next generation of top-tier stock car competitors.
