Connor Zilisch’s rookie season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series just keeps getting better. The 19-year-old driver for JR Motorsports put together another standout performance on Saturday, claiming the pole position for the 2025 regular-season finale at World Wide Technology Raceway (Gateway).
Connor Zilisch clocked in a blistering lap of 32.935 seconds at an average speed of 136.633 mph, edging out fellow rookie Nick Sanchez by a razor-thin margin of 0.027 seconds.
The pole marks Zilisch’s seventh of the 2025 season and the eighth of his career in the series, an extraordinary stat considering he’s still in his debut full-time campaign.
A Run of Dominance
Connor Zilisch’s qualifying speed isn’t just a one-off. His versatility has been on full display, securing poles across a variety of track types, road courses, short tracks, and intermediates.
That adaptability has helped him dominate the regular-season standings and positioned him as the favorite not only for the Xfinity championship but also as NASCAR’s next big star.
Adding to the buzz, Zilisch already has a Cup Series deal lined up, a sign that teams and sponsors see his potential to carry success beyond the Xfinity Series.
Connor Zilisch on the Pole Run
After the session, Connor Zilisch shared how surreal the moment felt.
“That’s funny. You say that because coming across the line, I would have believed them if they told me I was 15th, then I would have believed them if I was on the pole,” Zilisch said with a smile. “Just really proud of this entire WeatherTech Chevrolet team. No matter where we go, we’re as fast as anybody, and I know we can win at any track. That’s one of the best parts about this group.”
He credited the collective effort of his JR Motorsports crew for keeping momentum alive.
“I think we’re strong with everything, firing on all cylinders. Josh up on the spotter stand is doing a great job. Everybody’s just doing their job, and it’s been a lot of fun to be a part of,” he added.
The Starting Grid
Joining Zilisch on the front row will be Nick Sanchez, another rookie who has shown flashes of brilliance this season. Behind them, William Sawalich secured the third spot, with Sam Mayer and Taylor Gray rounding out the top five.
Veteran names such as Harrison Burton, Aric Almirola, and Carson Kvapil also cracked the top ten, setting up what should be a thrilling regular-season finale.
Gateway carries extra weight; it’s the final race before the Xfinity Series Playoffs, meaning playoff positioning is on the line. While Zilisch has all but locked up the regular-season crown, several drivers in the field are still fighting for their postseason chances.
Still, the spotlight shines brightest on Connor Zilisch. His ability to pair raw speed in qualifying with race-winning pace on Sundays has drawn comparisons to some of NASCAR’s all-time greats. For a teenager in his rookie year, that’s not just hype; it’s earned respect.
As the green flag drops at Gateway, all eyes will be on whether Connor Zilisch can turn another pole into yet another victory in what has already been a season for the history books.
Connor Zilisch Secures Pole at Gateway, Continues Remarkable Rookie Season