Dale Earnhardt Jr. delivered a nuanced perspective on the dramatic end to the NASCAR Xfinity Series season after Connor Zilisch’s impressive performance came up just short of a championship. This Dale Earnhardt Jr. Xfinity reflection took place at Phoenix Raceway, where Jesse Love secured the title, despite Zilisch and JR Motorsports dominating much of the season with ten race wins and a regular-season points victory.
Connor Zilisch, in his debut year in the series with JR Motorsports, saw one of the most impressive rookie campaigns, notching 10 wins and performing consistently enough to capture the regular-season championship. However, the award everyone ultimately wants—the overall title—eluded him after a final at Phoenix where Jesse Love and the RCR team managed to outperform.
Earnhardt Jr., both co-owner of the team and a NASCAR Hall of Famer, took time after the season-ending race to offer insight into the emotional rollercoaster faced by Zilisch and the organization.
Praise for Jesse Love and the Winning RCR Team
Dale Earnhardt Jr. was forthcoming in giving credit to Jesse Love and the RCR group for their readiness and achievement during the all-important race in Phoenix. Their speed and preparation were clear to everyone at the track.
“It’s easier to take because he beat you, and it wasn’t something,”
Earnhardt Jr., Co-owner, said.
“Yeah, for sure. I mean, a little bit easier to get, this is the traditional way than having some spooky happen at the end.”
Earnhardt Jr., Co-owner
Earnhardt Jr. elaborated on what he saw on race weekend, emphasizing the level of competition.
“I saw both in practice, and was, goodness gracious, man, they came loaded, ready. Gotta give them credit, man. They dialed him in good on the first run. They dialed him in and got him better, and he was the best when it counted.”
Earnhardt Jr., Co-owner
Facing the disappointment of coming so close, Earnhardt Jr. still reflected on the efforts of JR Motorsports and his pride in the entire team.
“That’s tough to watch, but our guys worked really hard to do what they did,”
Earnhardt Jr., Co-owner, said.
“I’m proud of them. I’m proud of all of our teams for working as hard as they did all year.”
Earnhardt Jr., Co-owner
He highlighted that racing is full of ups and downs and tough defeats.
“I’ve been in this a long time, and you go on the racetrack, you’re gonna be disappointed more often than you’ll be happy,”
Earnhardt Jr., Co-owner, said.
“You gotta know what you’re signing up for coming here. This is the possibility of the results. So you certainly have to work harder and try to be in a better position.”
Earnhardt Jr., Co-owner
Offering Guidance and Perspective to Connor Zilisch
After the season finale, Earnhardt Jr. spoke candidly about Connor Zilisch’s emotional state, recognizing the heartbreak the young rookie felt after falling just short of the championship.
“Well, I don’t know if you can tell me much that will make it feel better tonight,”
Earnhardt Jr., Co-owner, said.
“He is heartbroken, but there’ll be worse days at the racetrack for him. This ain’t a defining moment. There’ll be days and hard times in the future that’ll tower over moments like this.”
Earnhardt Jr., Co-owner
Reminding Zilisch and others of how racing often teaches humility and builds resilience, Earnhardt Jr. explained that the challenges experienced now can prepare a young driver for future tests.
“Unfortunately, because it’s a sport, man humbles you, and there are some tough moments in front of him,”
Earnhardt Jr., Co-owner, added.
“That’s all I can tell him, hey, this ain’t the worst day. It won’t be the worst. Don’t feel like that right now, but try to be proud.”
Earnhardt Jr., Co-owner
Despite the loss in the championship, Earnhardt Jr. looked ahead with optimism regarding Zilisch’s racing prospects.
“He may have a chance to run for a championship again down the road,”
Earnhardt Jr., Co-owner, said.
“I wouldn’t want him to think that this was his only shot because you never know what might come up. But he’s a great kid, had a great year, and I was thankful to be part of it. We didn’t win the trophy, but I had more fun than ever as an owner, being involved hands-on with everything. So it’s a great year, and we’re looking forward to next year, ready to go to Daytona tomorrow.”
Earnhardt Jr., Co-owner
Contemplating the Challenges of the Championship Format
Earnhardt Jr. discussed how the current championship format in NASCAR can sometimes produce unexpected outcomes, even when a team or driver has been clearly dominant throughout the season.
“It’s hard for some people to reconcile the fact that Connor went well,”
Earnhardt Jr., Co-owner, said.
“There’ve been years where guys have dominated and didn’t win the championship, even with the old format, one we all love, even that had its flaws. So it’s just the format. There are just ones we all prefer more than others.”
Earnhardt Jr., Co-owner
He remarked that he prepared himself for various outcomes, knowing the unpredictable nature of the final race and championship.
“I was ready after my podcast on Tuesday when Jesse was there. I was ready to accept the outcome no matter what it was,”
Earnhardt Jr., Co-owner, said.
“Love this sport, love the Xfinity Series, and I love what we’ve been able to do here. I wanted to be a champion tonight, but we just were not. I have pride in Jesse Love and RCR and celebrate that. I’m proud and happy for Danny Lawrence and all those people over there at RCR; they’re like family to me.”
Earnhardt Jr., Co-owner
Looking Toward the Future
The conclusion of this JR Motorsports campaign, highlighted by the achievements and heartbreak of Connor Zilisch, demonstrates both the highs and lows of professional racing. With Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s experience and leadership, the team has shown they can handle both triumph and adversity, learning from each season and growing stronger. As the Xfinity Series prepares for the upcoming races in Daytona and beyond, the reflections and lessons from this season will likely fuel new ambitions and a renewed pursuit for the championship, reinforcing why the sport continues to inspire drivers, owners, and fans alike.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. said it was a little easier to take defeat Saturday as Jesse Love was the best in the final stage and there was no "spooky" caution or scenario at the end. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/s6eSiiRlOw
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 2, 2025
Dale Earnhardt Jr. said he can accept that Jesse Love is the champion despite Connor Zilisch having 10 wins. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/joZ43ieuU7
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 2, 2025
