Connor Zilisch recently completed a remarkable rookie campaign in the Xfinity Series, securing ten victories but ultimately finishing second in the championship after the decisive race at Phoenix Raceway. This impressive season places Zilisch alongside legendary figures such as Jeff Gordon in the history of Jeff Gordon historic NASCAR season statistics, as drivers who claimed 10 or more wins without capturing the title.
Historic Seasons of Ten or More Wins Without a Title
Joining this distinguished group emphasizes Zilisch’s consistency and competitiveness over the year. In 1985, Bill Elliott stood out in the Cup Series with 11 race wins, yet finished as runner-up to Junior Johnson, who captured the championship. Similarly, Rusty Wallace earned ten victories in 1993 but trailed Dale Earnhardt in the final standings. Jeff Gordon experienced this scenario in 1996, achieving ten wins and finishing behind Terry Labonte for the championship, an upset still remembered by many NASCAR fans. With Zilisch’s 2025 Xfinity season joining this list, his achievement underscores the unpredictability and challenges drivers face, regardless of their regular-season dominance.
“Notable NASCAR seasons where a driver won 10+ races but did not win the championship
1985 Cup: Bill Elliott (11 wins, 2nd in standings)
1993 Cup: Rusty Wallace (10 wins, 2nd)
1996 Cup: Jeff Gordon (10 wins, 2nd)
2025 Xfinity: Connor Zilisch (10 wins, 2nd) pic.twitter.com/rpiEmkOkch
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) November 2, 2025”
For Zilisch, being grouped with drivers like Jeff Gordon, Bill Elliott, and Rusty Wallace is a testament to his impressive rookie year. While he was just short of a championship, his consistent top performances speak volumes about his future potential. The stat may have a bittersweet edge, but for Zilisch, it illustrates his rise among the elite in NASCAR’s competitive landscape.
Reflection on the Championship Near-Miss
Despite the heartbreak of missing out on the title, Zilisch and his team at JR Motorsports found pride in their efforts across the season. Zilisch commented on his acceptance of the season’s outcome and the outlook moving forward:
“I’ve come to terms with what’s happened. And at this point, I can’t do anything about it, so there’s no reason to hang on to it. I mean, it’s life. The sun came up Sunday morning, and the world kept spinning.” — Connor Zilisch, Driver
This mindset reflects the resilience often required in professional motorsports. As Zilisch looks ahead, the lessons from this experience could shape his future performances in significant ways.
A New Chapter with Trackhouse Racing
Looking forward, Connor Zilisch is set to advance his career by joining Trackhouse Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series for the upcoming season. He will race alongside notable teammates, including Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen, forming a promising team lineup. This move represents a significant opportunity for Zilisch to translate his recent momentum into success at the highest level of stock car racing.
After the 2025 Xfinity season, Zilisch also received messages of encouragement from established Cup Series stars, suggesting he is well regarded among his peers. Kyle Larson, who secured the 2025 Cup championship, reached out with supportive words:
“Kyle Larson texted me. And he just said, ‘This isn’t going to change your career. I know it sucks.’” — Connor Zilisch, Driver
Additionally, Denny Hamlin, the Cup Series runner-up, expressed a similar sentiment, both underscoring the value experienced drivers place on perseverance in the face of disappointment.
“And you know, he wrote me a nice message. Denny texted me that night, kind of similar. So yeah, I mean, there were a few people that reached out that it means a lot to hear from.” — Connor Zilisch, Driver
These acts of support hint at the strong community within NASCAR and highlight how revered Zilisch’s effort has become among top drivers such as Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin. Their advice could inspire additional resolve as he embarks on his new chapter with Trackhouse Racing.
Zilisch’s shift to the Cup Series will put him on track with some of the sport’s most experienced competitors, including teammates Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen. As he takes on this new challenge, the lessons of his historic rookie year could play a crucial role in shaping his pursuit of a championship title in the seasons to come.
Notable NASCAR seasons where a driver won 10+ races but did not win the championship
1985 Cup: Bill Elliott (11 wins, 2nd in standings)
1993 Cup: Rusty Wallace (10 wins, 2nd)
1996 Cup: Jeff Gordon (10 wins, 2nd)
2025 Xfinity: Connor Zilisch (10 wins, 2nd) pic.twitter.com/rpiEmkOkch— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) November 2, 2025
