NASCAR
Connor Zilisch Out for Texas Xfinity Race after Talladega Crash
CONCORD, N.C. – NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Connor Zilisch will not be competing in Saturday’s race from Texas Motor Speedway. The JR Motorsports rookie was involved in a heavy last-lap crash from Talladega Superspeedway that led to lingering lower back injuries. In his place, Kyle Larson will substitute drive the No. 88 Chevrolet.
Trackhouse Racing says there is no timeline for their development driver’s return to the seat, but that Zilisch hopes to be back behind the wheel as soon as possible.
Zilisch, 18, from Charlotte, North Carolina, is in the midst of his first full-time Xfinity Series season. He won his way into the 2025 Playoffs at COTA in March, and has since two poles and two top-10s. Zilisch is currently ranked sixth in Xfinity Series points.
Due to this absence being for a medical reason, NASCAR’s new rules of erasing all Playoff points with a missed race do not come into effect.
Zilisch was turned from the lead on the last lap of Saturday’s Ag-Pro 300 at Talladega. Contact came from behind in the form of Zilisch’s best friend, Jesse Love. Love was visibly shaken post-race, going to visit Zilisch in the infield care center. The Trackhouse Racing driver was released from medical care on Saturday.
The road racing phenom is locked in a tight Rookie of the Year battle with JR Motorsports teammate Carson Kvapil. It is currently unknown how long Zilisch will be out of the seat. This story will be updated when more information is available.
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo Credits to Meg Oliphant/Getty Images
