Connor Zilisch has been hyped up for years now, and his rookie season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series is only proving why. The 19-year-old is expected to take the jump to the Cup Series in 2026, but his 2025 season cannot be overlooked.
Zilisch has been on a dominant run since returning from his back injury in late May. He has five wins in eleven races, and when he hasn’t won, he is still competitive. Zilisch has scored a top five in every race since his return, including three second-place finishes. His average finish on the season is up to ten.
Zilisch suffered a broken collarbone after falling from his car in victory lane after winning at Watkins Glen during Saturday’s race. He won’t have the chance to race a full season, and it is currently unknown whether he will have the opportunity to return this season.
Christopher Bell holds the record for most wins for a rookie in the Xfinity Series with seven. Other drivers with five wins in their rookie season include Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards, and Kyle Busch.
Bell had an average finish of 11th in his historic 2018 season and finished fourth in the playoffs. He competed in all 33 races on the schedule, something Zilisch will not have the opportunity to do.
Zilisch has not only been the top rookie in the series, but he has also been the best Xfinity Series driver since late May. His road course rivalry with Shane Van Gisbergen has been extremely competitive and fun to watch.
Bell’s season was fantastic, but Zilisch has managed to put up similar numbers in many fewer races. His injuries have set him back and taken away the opportunity for fans to see what his numbers would be after a full season of dominance.
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