Charlotte, NC, October 5, 2025
News Summary
Connor Zilisch clinched his 10th win of the season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at the Charlotte ROVAL, leading 61 of 68 laps. The victory came with a thrilling late caution, allowing Zilisch to secure his first win on this circuit. Despite all JR Motorsports drivers advancing to the Round of 8, playoff contender Taylor Gray missed the cut by just one point. Zilisch’s impressive performance continues as fans look forward to the next challenge in the playoffs.
Charlotte, NC – Connor Zilisch Achieves 10th Victory of the Season Amidst Playoff Drama at Charlotte ROVAL
Connor Zilisch secured his 10th victory of the season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at the Charlotte ROVAL on October 7, 2023. The thrilling race concluded with Zilisch leading 61 of the 68 laps. The victory was marked by a late caution for oil on the track that was called post-white flag, allowing Zilisch to claim the win.
The 19-year-old driver competes for JR Motorsports, piloting the No. 88 Chevrolet. This latest triumph not only represents Zilisch’s first win on the 2.28-mile circuit but also the 11th victory of his career. Prior to the race, Zilisch also celebrated achieving his eighth pole position of the season.
In a significant development during the playoffs, JR Motorsports saw all four of its drivers advance to the Round of 8. However, playoff contender Taylor Gray fell short of advancing by just one point. The race saw multiple competitors, including Harrison Burton, Nick Sanchez, and Austin Hill, encounter numerous self-inflicted errors that hindered their chances of progressing.
Critical Moments of the Race
A noteworthy incident occurred when a series of events benefitted Sam Smith, who managed to secure the final playoff spot despite suffering from a cut tire earlier in the race. After a pit stop for fresh tires, Smith finished third, therefore allowing him to move forward while Taylor Gray was left in 13th place.
In terms of performance, Austin Green achieved a career-best runner-up finish. Other non-playoff drivers also showcased impressive results, with Kaz Grala, Connor Mosack, Jeb Burton, and William Sawalich finishing in fourth to seventh positions respectively. Defending series champion Justin Allgaier placed eighth, while Nick Sanchez, despite facing pit-road penalties, finished ninth. On the other hand, Austin Hill struggled with engine issues, leading him to a 28th place finish and ultimately being eliminated from the playoff race.
Advancements in the Playoffs
Carson Kvapil joined the Round of 8 by finishing 15th, edging out Taylor Gray by just three points. Other drivers such as Sheldon Creed, Jesse Love, and Sam Mayer also advanced based on points. Zilisch’s next challenge will occur in the Round of 8 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 11, 2025.
Conclusion
As the NASCAR Xfinity Series continues, fans are left to anticipate the next phase of the competition, especially as Zilisch gears up for further challenges in pursuit of the championship. The dynamic of the playoff race remains notable as drivers vie for their position heading into the concluding segments of the season.
FAQ
Who won the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Charlotte ROVAL?
Connor Zilisch achieved his 10th victory of the season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
How many laps did Connor Zilisch lead during the race?
Zilisch led 61 of 68 laps and earned the win after a caution for oil on the track was called post-white flag.
What position did Taylor Gray finish to miss advancing in the playoffs?
Taylor Gray fell to 13th place.
Key Features of the Race
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Winner | Connor Zilisch |
| Victory Count | 10th of the season, 11th career win |
| Laps Led | 61 of 68 laps |
| Notable Race Incidents | Oil caution post-white flag |
| Playoff Advancements | All JR Motorsports drivers advanced; Taylor Gray missed by 1 point |
| Next Race | Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 11, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
NASCAR Playoffs Media Day Highlights Driver Insights
William Byron Wins at Charlotte Motor Speedway
William Byron Claims Victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway
Additional Resources
- NASCAR: Connor Zilisch Wins at Charlotte Roval
- Wikipedia: NASCAR
- Hendrick Motorsports: NASCAR TV Schedule
- Google Search: NASCAR Xfinity Series
- Jayski: NASCAR Xfinity Series News
- Google Scholar: NASCAR Xfinity Series
- NASCAR: Entry List for Charlotte Roval
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NASCAR
- Syracuse: Where to Watch NASCAR
- Google News: NASCAR News
Author: HERE Charlotte
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