Connor Zilisch Captures Thrilling Xfinity Series Victory at Pocono Raceway

Pocono Raceway, June 21, 2025 — In a dramatic and action-packed race at Pocono Raceway, Connor Zilisch claimed victory in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, edging out Jesse Love by a narrow 0.437-second margin. The win marks a standout performance for the JR Motorsports driver, who led 34 laps in a race characterized by intense battles, strategic pit stops, and a record-setting number of caution flags.

Race Overview

The 100-lap race at Pocono delivered high drama from start to finish. Zilisch, piloting the No. 88 Chevrolet, demonstrated both patience and aggression, climbing from a ninth-place starting position to the top spot. With nine lead changes among seven different drivers and ten caution periods accounting for 41 laps, the race kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Jesse Love, in the No. 2 Chevrolet, held the lead late in the race but ultimately lost it on Lap 97 when Zilisch executed a clean pass exiting Turn 1. Zilisch solidified his win with strategic driving in the closing laps, resisting a late charge from Love.

Key Race Moments

• Lap 50 – Stage 1 Conclusion: Connor Zilisch claimed the first stage win, followed closely by Taylor Gray and Nick Sanchez.

• Lap 66 – Lead Change: Zilisch regained the lead after an important pit sequence involving key contenders including Jesse Love and Christian Eckes.

• Lap 90-91 – Record Caution: Kyle Sieg’s spin in Turn 2 triggered the 10th caution, setting a new Xfinity Series record at Pocono.

• Lap 98 – Decisive Battle: Chase Elliott overtook Carson Kvapil for fifth, while Zilisch tightened his grip on the lead.

• Lap 100 – Victory Lane: Zilisch crossed the line first, capping off a race where he led a field-high 34 laps and maintained a strong average running position throughout.

Race Stats Snapshot

• Race Winner: Connor Zilisch (JR Motorsports, No. 88 Chevrolet)

• Win Margin: 0.437 seconds over Jesse Love

• Laps Led: 34 by Zilisch (Race high)

• Total Cautions: 10 (Xfinity Series record at Pocono)

• Lead Changes: 9 among 7 different drivers

Standout Performers

• Chase Elliott: The Cup Series regular, racing in the No. 17 Chevrolet, started on pole and led 22 laps. He ultimately finished inside the top five after a spirited series of late-race battles.

• Jesse Love: Despite narrowly missing out on the win, Love delivered a consistent performance, leading eight laps and maintaining a strong presence in the top five throughout the race.

• Christian Eckes: Ran as high as third late in the race and remained a factor among the frontrunners.

Notable Incidents

The race was marred by multiple on-track incidents, most notably:

• Lap 33: A multi-car incident initiated by a spin from Brandon Jones affected Austin Hill and William Sawalich.

• Lap 84: Nick Sanchez spun while racing inside the top 10, with Sheldon Creed also making wall contact to avoid the incident.

• Lap 79: Dean Thompson and Ryan Ellis collided, leading to another caution and reshuffling of the field.

Strategic Elements

Pit strategy played a crucial role throughout the race. Zilisch and Love both opted to stay out during a pivotal cycle on Lap 53, while others, including Chase Elliott and Justin Allgaier, pitted for fresh tires and adjustments. These decisions set up a complex battle of tire wear, fuel strategy, and track position that defined the final 30 laps.

Stage Winners

• Stage 1: Brandon Jones

• Stage 2: Connor Zilisch

Final Thoughts

Connor Zilisch’s win at Pocono Raceway marks a significant milestone in his Xfinity Series career and further cements JR Motorsports as a powerhouse in the series. The race was a masterclass in adaptability and timing, with Zilisch prevailing in a chaotic event that demanded sharp decision-making and unwavering focus.

As the NASCAR Xfinity Series progresses through the 2025 season, all eyes will be on Zilisch to see if he can carry this momentum into future races. With performances like this, he’s proving he’s not just a contender—but a future star in the making.

Pocono Raceway Xfinity Series Results

June 21, 2025