There was nonstop drama in the closing laps at Indianapolis, but no one could deny Connor Zilisch his third consecutive NASCAR Xfinity win
The teenager Connor Zilisch capitalized on the chaos and put himself in a perfect position to win Saturday's NASCAR Xfinity race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. While earning his fifth win of the 2025 season (and his third in succession), he also collected JR Motorsports' 100th NASCAR Xfinity win as an organization.
"Dude, this is awesome," smiled Zilisch after climbing from the car. "Those bricks look really kissable and I'm ready to kiss them. This is awesome. 100 wins for JRM."
Watch: Connor Zilisch: 'So cool' to score 100th win for JR Motorsports
With weather approaching as the night wore on, racing became hectic. Let’s fast forward: with less than 20 laps to go: Justin Allgaier and Kyle Larson were on the front row for a restart. However, as the field raced through Turn 2, Larson got loose and sent Allgaier into the outside wall.
The race remained green as Zilisch took the lead, but more trouble was soon to follow. While battling for fourth, Aric Almirola made contact with Austin Hill. Unfortunately, Hill then appeared to turn across the track, assertively turning Almirola into the outside wall, leading to a vicious impact for the 19 car.
Almirola was okay, but he immediately called out Hill, claiming it was intentional. NASCAR seemed to agree, holding Hill for five laps for reckless driving.
Thoughts on this incident between Austin Hill and Aric Almirola?
— Motorsport.com (@Motorsport) July 26, 2025
Should Hill have been parked, get potentially suspended for right hooking, or do you view this as a racing incident? #NASCAR
🎥 : @TheCW_Sportspic.twitter.com/JDktRTgGqs
After a brief red flag, the race resumed for a four-lap dash. This time, it was Taylor Gray getting the jump on Zilisch. He fought back aggressively, and with a helpful push from Sam Mayer, retook the lead with just two laps to go.
That was the end of the battle as Zilisch drove off with the checkered flag, delivering JR Motorsports its milestone victory.
Mayer finished second, Gray third, Larson fourth, and Ryan Sieg fifth. William Sawalich, Sammy Smith, Daniel Dye, Jesse Love, and Dean Thompson filled out the remainder of the top ten.
Stages 1 and 2
Mayer led the way from pole position and dominated most of the opening stage. There was a sketchy moment on the second lap of the race when Almirola threw an aggressive block on Allgaier, nearly putting him into the inside wall on the frontstretch.
But the first incident of the race was for Harrison Burton, who got loose and spun at the exit of Turn 2. Burton entered this race just seven points below the cut-line and needed a good day, but here he managed to avoid hitting anything.
Mayer won Stage 1, but he lost some spots on pit road after the Haas Factory Team had a slow stop. On the ensuing restart, it was Allgaier vs. Almirola for the race lead.
Behind them, Christian Eckes and Nick Sanchez got together with Sanchez slamming the outside wall. The race remained green, but both Sanchez and Eckes had to make unscheduled pit stop for damage.
Up front, Zilisch pushed his teammate Allgaier ahead of Almirola as they looked to secure JR Motorsports' 100th win in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Stage 2 came down to a thrilling duel between the veteran champion and teenaged rookie, and this time, experience paid off. Allgaier timed the run perfectly out of Turn 4, pulling alongside and pulling just ahead of Zilisch at the line in a photo finish to end Stage 2.
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Category: General Sports
