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.
