Connor Zilisch is the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year, but he missed out on the biggest prize. The 19-year-old led all drivers in wins (10), top fives (20), top tens (23), and average finish (8.0), but he will end the year as the championship runner-up.
At the Phoenix finale, he lost the race lead with 24 laps to go to his best friend and title rival Jesse Love. After the race, he wiped tears away as he sat beside his race car and faced the reality of his defeat. JR Motorsports team co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. was quick to embrace him, as were several others.
Zilisch later went to the champion's stage to congratulate Love. While debate over the controversial playoff format raged online, several people within the industry shared heartfelt messages for the young star as he is about to embark on a full-time career with Trackhouse in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Among them: 2004 Cup Series champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer Kurt Busch, who reacted to Motorsport.com's Instagram post regarding the loss: "It doesn't matter son. Go to Cup and be the winner you know you can be. From a Monster athlete to a Red Bull athlete, focus on the future."
Discussions are ongoing behind closed doors and a change to the championship format is likely for 2026, but it's still not clear what direction the sport will go. An extended final round, a return to a ten-race playoffs, or even a traditional full season championship have all been floated.
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