Connor Zilisch NASCAR rookie season in the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series concluded with remarkable statistics but ended without a championship title, triggering widespread controversy on November 1 at Phoenix Raceway. The NCAA-style playoff format, which determines the champion in a single final race, left fans and insiders questioning whether the most consistent driver truly gets rewarded.
Unmatched Performance All Year for Zilisch
Competing for JR Motorsports in the No. 88 car, Connor Zilisch stood out as one of the Xfinity Series’ most outstanding rookies, earning a historic 10 victories and maintaining a streak of 18 consecutive top-5 finishes. Despite these achievements, the championship’s point system was reset ahead of the season’s final race. This structure put all the pressure on Phoenix Raceway, where Jesse Love overtook Zilisch with 24 laps to go, sealing the championship with Zilisch finishing third. The system denied Zilisch the series crown—even after a dominant, record-breaking run that also garnered him Rookie of the Year honors.
Playoff Format Comes Under Fire
The aftermath of the final saw an outpouring of frustration—both from experts and fans—arguing that the current playoff system does not do justice to a driver’s entire season. Analyst Justin Champagne voiced strong concerns:
“Connor Zilisch not being the champion is an embarrassment for the sport. Anyone who condones this format isn’t a true NASCAR fan.”
— Justin Champagne, Analyst.
Online personalities echoed this viewpoint. YouTuber David Land expressed his disappointment:
“I hate this for Connor. It really sucks that he has to be the example of this broken system being broken after a season like he’s had.”
— David Land, YouTuber. Eric Estepp, a popular NASCAR creator, called for change saying,
“Alright, that should officially mark the END of the 1-race finale. It just DOES NOT WORK, especially when a driver has a dominant year. Connor Zilisch put together a tremendous, 10-win season…but neither he nor the No. 88 will be remembered as champions.”
— Eric Estepp, NASCAR Creator. Motorsport journalist Austin Konenski added:
“Connor Zilisch not winning the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship is a nail in the coffin for this horrible format. 10 wins and 18 straight top-5 finishes for absolutely NOTHING.”
— Austin Konenski, Journalist.
The debate extended beyond the experts, with many fans weighing in. Patrick Hanlon reflected on broader impacts:
“At the very least, Heim broke through last night. Had he not, I don’t think the stench of the illegitimacy of this format ever washes off, even if they went to full season points for 50 years.”
— Patrick Hanlon, Fan. Cameron Friss, offering a contrasting opinion, defended the format:
“Who cares? Does the team with the best record in the regular season win the Stanley Cup? The final four deserve to be there based on the format, which is the most exciting it’s ever been.”
— Cameron Friss, Fan. Another fan, Cheech, commented,
“Never thought of these as a Season’s Champion but a Championship Race Winner. I look forward to not having to think like this to enjoy a sport I grew up loving.”
— Cheech, Fan.
Kurt Haight added to the chorus of criticism:
“Just picture 2025 Zilisch as 2021 Larson without the Title. This format is a complete joke, and 3-3-4 will be unacceptable. It’s Full Season, 10 Race Chase or bust at this point.”
— Kurt Haight, Fan. The comparison to other sports, including the Stanley Cup playoffs, highlighted how divisive the system remains among fans and commentators alike.
Zilisch Shares His Disappointment and Looks Ahead
After the dust settled, Connor Zilisch summed up his feelings for fans and his team:
“Heartbroken. We did everything we could. Nothing will take away from the year we’ve had. Onto bigger and better things. Thank you @JRMotorsports❤️
— Connor Zilisch (@ConnorZilisch) November 2, 2025”
— Connor Zilisch, Driver.
The disappointment was clearly visible, but Zilisch acknowledged the team’s effort throughout the season.
“I came into the weekend and told my entire team if we give 100 percent, and we can walk out of this place knowing we did that, I’d be proud of this,”
Zilisch said. “We fought all day long and threw everything we had at it.
“Unfortunately, we just didn’t quite have what we needed. But, it doesn’t take away from anything we did this season.”
— Connor Zilisch, Driver.
Implications for NASCAR’s Future
Connor Zilisch’s NASCAR rookie season could stand as a turning point for how the sport crowns its champions, intensifying the call for a review of its current playoff system. Many within NASCAR, as well as devoted followers, believe the single-race showdown at Phoenix Raceway undermined a year of remarkable consistency and excellence. As discussions continue, the focus will shift to whether NASCAR officials will address the mounting criticism and evaluate a more balanced way to determine its champions, ensuring that a season-long effort is truly recognized.
Connor Zilisch not being the champion is an embarrassment for the sport. Anyone who condones this format isn’t a true NASCAR fan
— Justin Champagne (@ChampagneRacin) November 2, 2025
I hate this for Connor. It really sucks that he has to be the example of this broken system being broken after a season like he's had.
— David Land™❌ (@DLand91) November 2, 2025
Alright, that should officially mark the END of the 1-race finale. It just DOES NOT WORK especially when a driver has a dominant year.
Connor Zilisch put together a tremendous, 10-win season…but neither he nor the No. 88 will be remembered as champions.
— Eric Estepp (@EricEstepp17) November 2, 2025
Connor Zilisch not winning the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship is a nail in the coffin for this horrible format.
10 wins and 18 straight top-5 finishes for absolutely NOTHING.
— Austin Konenski (@AustinKonenski) November 2, 2025
At the very least Heim broke through last night. Had he not, I don't think the stench of the illgetimacy of this format ever washes off even if they went to full season points for 50 years
— Patrick Hanlon (@GordonLarsonfan) November 2, 2025
Who cares? Does the team with the best record in regular season win the Stanley Cup? The final four deserve to be there based on the format which is the most exciting it’s ever been
— Cameron Friss (@cfriss216) November 2, 2025
Never thought of these as a Season's Champion but a Championship Race Winner…. I look forward to not having to think like this to enjoy a sport I grew up loving.
— Texas Cheech (@TexasCheech) November 2, 2025
Just picture 2025 Zilisch as 2021 Larson without the Title. This format is a complete joke and 3-3-4 will be unacceptable. It's Full Season, 10 Race Chase or bust at this point.
— Kurt Haight (@haight_kurt) November 2, 2025
Heartbroken. We did everything we could. Nothing will take away from the year we’ve had. Onto bigger and better things. Thank you @JRMotorsports❤️
— Connor Zilisch (@ConnorZilisch) November 2, 2025
