Top 3: Connor Zilisch’s Feel-Good Story
Connor Zilisch (+800 outright) is a must-bet for a top-three finish (+180), driving the No. 88 Chevrolet with NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. as his crew chief. Zilisch’s fourth pole of 2025 at Mexico City and his recent close finishes on ovals show he is right there at the doorstep of victory lane.
Zilisch always had the road course talent, but he is really starting to put it all together on the oval side after just 6 months behind the wheel in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The heartwarming narrative of Earnhardt Jr. stepping in for suspended crew chief Mardy Lindley adds emotional fuel, reminding me of Larry McReynold’s one-off race on the pit box for Jeffrey Earnhardt at Talladega a few years ago, which finished with a P2 feel good result in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
In resonating with fans on X, Zilisch’s raw talent and JR Motorsports backing make him a strong bet for a podium finish in Long Pond.
This entire storyline gives Doc Hudson mentoring Lightning McQueen vibes to me. If you know, you know…
JR Motorsports always brings fast cars to the race track and has the speed to win here, which they did in 2022 with Noah Gragson.
Although Zilisch lacks experience on the 2.5 mile oval track, he is a bit of an outlier to the normal status quo, in our minds.
For most drivers lacking experience, I would say to avoid them in their first race at a track. However, Zilisch has bucked the trend on this for multiple occasions.
The way Pocono drives like a road course at times, combined with JRM’s speed, Jr on the pit box and Connor’s recent form, give us what we call a ‘gut feel’ play here.
I’m getting a bit of Ty Gibbs 2022 vibes here for Zilisch. Win your first Xfinity race on a road course, then run up front in contention at your first Pocono.
Zilisch will be on our card Saturday for Pocono and could even trickle into the ‘to win’ category.
Take Zilisch to get a result, it’s happening.
Now, onto Top 5’s. The Top 5 picks and analysis are up next!
