Connor Zilisch experienced heartbreak in the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity finale at Phoenix Raceway, losing the championship in dramatic fashion as his tires faded in the final laps. Despite the disappointment, the Connor Zilisch NASCAR Xfinity finale became a showcase for his remarkable sportsmanship, earning widespread respect from rivals and veterans alike.
Zilisch’s Quest for the Title Ends in Last-Lap Heartbreak
The stage was set for a storybook finish as Connor Zilisch, in his first full NASCAR Xfinity Series season, arrived at the Phoenix Raceway finale with ten victories under his belt and a commanding presence on the track. For most of the evening, Zilisch and his JR Motorsports team looked unbeatable, dominating laps and holding position at the front. Yet, as the race neared its conclusion, everything changed. Zilisch’s tires began to give up their grip, allowing Jesse Love to close in.
With only 25 laps remaining, the championship slipped from Zilisch’s grasp. Crossing the line in third, Zilisch maintained composure outwardly, but the emotional toll was unmistakable. His intense drive all season—with the most wins, poles, and laps led—made the near-miss especially poignant. As the champion’s celebrations unfolded, Zilisch quietly whispered apologies on the radio and slouched by his car, tears visible on his face, showing the depth of his disappointment.
Jesse Love Applauds Zilisch’s Grace Under Pressure
Even amid championship glory, Jesse Love was most struck by Zilisch’s poise. The new champion revealed during the NASCAR Live podcast,
“He got to see me in Victory Lane after the race, and that was very cool,”
Jesse Love, NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion. Love continued to reflect on Zilisch’s unexpected gesture:
“It’s something I did not expect out of him. I thought he was gonna come see me, but I wasn’t gonna expect it,”
Jesse Love, NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion.
Such maturity from a 19-year-old rookie caught many off-guard. After a crushing defeat and visible emotion, Zilisch still approached Love in Victory Lane to congratulate him. Their exchange was more than ritual—it echoed a mutual respect shaped by years of friendship and competition.
Social media amplified these moments, with images capturing Zilisch’s heartbreak and resilience.
“Pictures say 1,000 words.The emotions of Connor Zilisch after coming up short of winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship. pic.twitter.com/hlfvZGWP4R— Motorsport (@Motorsport) November 2, 2025”
Motorsport, Media.
Their bond deepened after the race. Love shared more about their private conversation:
“I can imagine the emotions he was going through, must be really tough. We had a good conversation at the AirBnB on Sunday night after the Cup race,”
Jesse Love, NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion. He added,
“Had a good talk about it. I wanted to hear what he had to say, and he wanted to hear what I wanted to say…I am really proud of the way he handled it.”
Jesse Love, NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion.
A Rivalry Forged by Friendship and Respect
Zilisch’s and Love’s relationship stretches back to their early years in racing. Meeting in 2021 at toyota/”>Toyota’s Trackhouse Motorplex development program, Zilisch was coaching young go-kart drivers, including Love. Initially unsure of Zilisch, Love quickly gained respect after witnessing his speed and skill on the karting circuit. Since then, their connection has grown—supporting one another as friends off the track while pushing each other as rivals on it.
This friendship surfaced again after setbacks, such as when Love reached out following Zilisch’s crash at Talladega. Their mutual admiration is evident in how they uplift one another, even in moments of defeat and triumph. Love, recognizing Zilisch’s maturity and potential, stated,
“I’m proud of the season he had and the seasons he’s going to have in the future in the Cup deal,”
Jesse Love, NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion.
With Zilisch set to join the NASCAR Cup Series full-time with Trackhouse Racing in 2026, the next phase in his career appears promising. The near-miss at Phoenix has not dampened his drive or growth; instead, it marks a transition to new challenges among the sport’s elite.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Marks Zilisch’s Transition with a Personal Tribute
Connor Zilisch’s 2025 Xfinity campaign was his last under JR Motorsports, operated by NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. As Zilisch prepares for his Cup Series debut driving the iconic No. 88 for Trackhouse Racing, Earnhardt Jr. honored him with a heartfelt, hand-written letter. Shared by reporter Taylor Kitchen, it spoke volumes about legacy and mentorship. The message began,
“The #88 has always carried a little extra meaning for me. It’s not just a number. It’s a legacy, defined by guys like Darrell Waltrip, Dale Jarrett, and most recently, SVG. I had a lot of great years driving that number. You ignited a new chapter with the 88, one written in your own style,”
Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Legend.
This number, immortalized by Dale Earnhardt Jr. in his own storied career—from memorable Daytona 500 triumphs to emotional farewells at Phoenix—represents more than mere digits. After Alex Bowman moved to the No. 48 in 2021, the 88 sat unused until revived in 2025 by Shane van Gisbergen (SVG), who added five wins before shifting to No. 97 in honor of his father, Robert Van Gisbergen. Even Kurt Busch, another past driver of the 88, reached out with encouragement, demonstrating how the number’s meaning has rippled through multiple generations of racers.
With Zilisch assuming responsibility for the No. 88 next season, the NASCAR community witnesses both a symbolic passing of the torch and the dawn of a new era. The hard-fought Xfinity season, capped by ten victories and a heart-wrenching title loss, has set the stage for Zilisch to propel the number’s legacy forward. For Earnhardt Jr., it means watching the next chapter of the No. 88 story begin in the top ranks, its heritage in good hands.
What Comes Next for Zilisch, Love, and the NASCAR Community
The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity finale at Phoenix Raceway cemented Connor Zilisch’s reputation for determination, humility, and maturity far beyond his years. Despite falling short of the championship crown, his genuine sportsmanship—recognized by Jesse Love and Dale Earnhardt Jr.—will be remembered as the race’s true legacy. As he steps into the NASCAR Cup Series driving the No. 88 for Trackhouse Racing, Zilisch carries not just the hopes of his team, but the admiration of friends, rivals, and fans.
For Jesse Love, victory at Phoenix initiated his reign among NASCAR’s rising stars, while his friendship with Zilisch ensures the competitive rivalry will energize future seasons. The return of the 88 car under Zilisch’s command adds another chapter to one of NASCAR’s most cherished symbols, a narrative closely watched by legendary figures like Dale Earnhardt Jr., SVG, and Kurt Busch. In the end, the Connor Zilisch NASCAR Xfinity finale was about more than who claimed the trophy—it was a testament to character, friendship, and the ever-renewing spirit of NASCAR competition.
Pictures say 1,000 words.
The emotions of Connor Zilisch after coming up short of winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship. pic.twitter.com/hlfvZGWP4R
— Motorsport (@Motorsport) November 2, 2025
