Connor Zilisch’s Xfinity championship loss in Phoenix marked a dramatic end to what had been a standout rookie season, as rising competitor Jesse Love overtook him in the race for the title. Zilisch, who had shown dominance all year long, was left visibly frustrated after falling short at the final event, capping his year with a pointed social media post that captured the disappointment surrounding the defeat.
Zilisch’s Outstanding Rookie Performance Sets High Expectations
The 2025 Xfinity Series saw Connor Zilisch, a teenager from Charlotte, make an impressive impact in only his first full-time season. After taking part in four races in the Xfinity Series in 2024, he secured a full-time opportunity for 2025. In just his third start that season, Zilisch clinched his first win, immediately positioning himself as a key contender for the championship. Over the course of the year, he went on to collect nine more race victories, making him the clear frontrunner heading into the Phoenix finale.
His sustained excellence throughout the season earned him the reputation as one of the top rookies to enter the NASCAR ranks in recent years. Coming into Phoenix, many viewed Zilisch as the favorite to win the championship, with his No. 88 car consistently among the fastest on the track.
The Phoenix Finale: Momentum Lost at the Worst Moment
Despite strong performances and high hopes, the defining race at Phoenix did not go as planned for Zilisch. As the battle for the championship entered its deciding phase, his car appeared to lack the pace that had characterized his season. This shift opened the door for Jesse Love, who capitalized on the opportunity and ultimately walked away with the series trophy. Zilisch’s rapid ascent and consistent performances all year made the outcome especially hard to digest for the teenager and his supporters.
In the aftermath, social media buzzed with discussions and statistics reflecting Zilisch’s season-long dominance. He responded to these statistics with a simple social media message: “Welp.” The one-word post conveyed his feelings of disappointment without masking the effort and success he had demonstrated over the course of the year.
Zilisch Shares Emotional Reactions Following Defeat
Following the close of the season, Zilisch openly shared his thoughts on the outcome and the effort he and his team put forth. In a statement after the race, he remarked:
“I mean, I came into the weekend and I told my entire team we got to give it our 100 percent this week, and as long as we walk out of this place knowing we did that, I’ll be proud of us. We did that today, and we fought all day long and threw everything we had at it, but, unfortunately, our WeatherTech Chevrolet, we just didn’t quite have what we needed. It doesn’t take away from anything we’ve done this year. Our car’s been as fast as Xfinity Mobile all year long, and I’m so proud of these guys.”
— Connor Zilisch, Driver
“It’s just you work all year long and you bust your ass for 33 weeks, and I feel like we’ve done the best job we could all year long, and we just didn’t have it today. We have nothing to hang our heads about, but this one’s gonna sting.”
— Connor Zilisch, Driver
His comments highlight both the pride in his team’s achievements and the emotional toll of falling just short after such a successful campaign.
Zilisch Already Set for the Next Level Despite Heartbreak
While his championship hopes came up short in dramatic fashion, Zilisch’s future remains bright. His achievements in 2025 have secured him a move to the NASCAR Cup Series for 2026, where he will take over the Trackhouse Racing seat from Daniel Suarez. The racing community and fans will now watch to see how he translates his Xfinity success—despite its bitter ending—onto NASCAR’s premier stage.
As the dust settles from the intense championship battle, Zilisch’s season stands as a testament to commitment, resilience, and the unpredictable nature of racing. The Connor Zilisch Xfinity championship loss, while difficult in the moment, may well fuel greater accomplishments in the future as he begins his next chapter in the Cup Series.
Welp. https://t.co/JNm74JDd80
— Connor Zilisch (@ConnorZilisch) November 2, 2025
