Zilisch scores tenth victory of 2025 in NASCAR Xfinity Series at Charlotte

Connor Zilisch earned his tenth win of the 2025 season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series during the October 4th race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course. Zilisch led 61 of the 68 completed laps and took the checkered flag under yellow when NASCAR halted the competition due to oil on the track. JR Motorsports placed all four of its drivers in the Round of 8, a result that seemed impossible until the final laps.

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Zilisch Solidifies His Year with First Win at Charlotte

The No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet topped the practice session and earned its eighth pole position of the year. During the race, Zilisch maintained the lead from practically start to finish on the 2.28-mile layout, recording his first victory at this circuit.

"It's a lot of fun to be able to race in my hometown," stated Zilisch. "The JR Motorsports cars were very fast this weekend... It feels good to get to 10. Double digits is incredible for my first year in the series. Now we have to go win the championship."

Smith Advances by One Point with Risky Pit Strategy

The battle for the final spot in the Round of 8 was decided in the closing laps. Sammy Smith came to pit road on lap 63 with a flat tire, seemingly knocked out of contention. Sage Karam's accident on the front stretch brought out the fifth caution, erased the 10.987-second lead Zilisch had, and allowed Smith to exit with new tires.

For the overtime restart on lap 67, Smith started seventh, one position behind Taylor Gray. Smith advanced to a third-place finish with fresh tires, but Gray ended up 13th in traffic. The difference: one point.

"I'm proud of everyone at JRM and everyone on my team," said Smith. "Phillip Bell (crew chief) made a great decision to pit, obviously. It was a Hail Mary kind of move, and it worked. I'm excited to try and run for a championship and put ourselves in position to make the final four."

Gray Loses Playoff Spot in the Final Two Laps

Taylor Gray was in position to advance before the caution caused by Karam's crash. The situation changed drastically in overtime.

"Obviously disappointed," expressed Gray. "We're not going to be able to race for a championship at the end of the year. We just weren't good enough. We weren't good today. We didn't have a good Bristol, and we shouldn't be in this situation. We are, and we're going to take our defeat and move on to try and win a couple of races."

Austin Green Finishes Second, His Best Professional Result

Austin Green, who is not in the playoffs, finished second after staying on track with Zilisch for the overtime restart. This result represents the best performance of his career in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

The non-playoff drivers Kaz Grala, Connor Mosack, Jeb Burton, and William Sawalich occupied positions four through seven. Justin Allgaier, the defending series champion, finished eighth.

Penalties and Mechanical Issues Eliminate Three Contenders

Nick Sanchez received two pit road penalties that reduced his chances of advancing. Harrison Burton lost six laps in the garage due to fuel pressure issues. Austin Hill was competing for the final spot until lap 50, when he reported engine issues (a dropped cylinder) that relegated him to 28th place, finishing 21 points short of qualifying.

Carson Kvapil completed the JR Motorsports group in the Round of 8 with a 15th place finish, advancing by three points over Gray. Sheldon Creed (11th), Jesse Love (12th), and Sam Mayer (19th) also advanced on points.

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Updated Playoff Standings

Zilisch leads the playoffs with 3,071 points and 10 wins, followed by Allgaier with 3,038 points and three victories. Brandon Jones holds third position with 3,018 points and two wins. The eight qualifiers were finalized with Gray in ninth place (2,100 points) and Sanchez in tenth (2,092 points, one win).

NASCAR Xfinity Series - Blue Cross NC 250
Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course - Concord, North Carolina
Saturday, October 4, 2025