Dale Earnhardt Jr decided to retire from the Cup Series back in 2017. He still dabbled in a one-off odd race occasionally, but now it looks like he is ready to hang up his shoes for good this time. However, it’s not all bad news for Dale Jr fans, as his departure comes with news of a new driver for JR Motorsports.
By winning this year’s 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring, Connor Zilsch has made it clear that he is not a driver who will live on the sidelines. He has already made a name for himself in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and is even set to drive the No. 88 Chevrolet in races at Watkins Glen, Kansas, Homestead-Miami, and Phoenix. But, as it turns out, there is more in store for the 18-year-old.
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JR Motorsports recently teased a video about starting a new chapter in 2025 and after teasing that they said they’ll announce their new driver on the Dale Jr Download podcast. And now, the episode is out. Connor Zilisch is the chosen one and he will be making himself comfortable in the No. 88 Chevrolet.
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In the podcast episode, Junior and the team had a chance to talk to Connor Zilisch and Justin Marks, the owner of Trackhouse Racing. They spoke about the prospects of next year. Talking about Zilisch’s growth, Marks said, “Well, we got Connor a job, and we’re really excited that we’ve been able to partner with JRM.”
Polls of the day Poll 1 of 4 How do you feel about Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Xfinity Series stints coming to an end? Sad Happy for his next chapter Angry Indifferent Have an interesting take? Join Debate Is Daniel Suarez’s international success enough to secure him a top NASCAR seat? Absolutely Not yet Needs more wins NASCAR isn’t ready for him Have an interesting take? Join Debate Do you think Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s decision to confiscate the North Wilkesboro champ’s crown was justified? Absolutely Not at all Maybe, but it was harsh I need more details Have an interesting take? Join Debate Do you think BJ McLeod will achieve his goals before ending his NASCAR career? Absolutely Maybe Not a chance Who cares? Have an interesting take? Join Debate
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Zilisch added to the news, saying, “It’s going to be big for me. A lifetime opportunity at JRM. So many guys in the Cup Series have gone through this building, and they’ve proven to be winners. Every year, every race, these guys come out and bring fast cars, and it’s going to be an honor to drive for Dale and everyone at JR Motorsports.”
With this, Zilisch will get his first full-time seat in any of the three national series of NASCAR.