Overview

• Earnhardt Jr. filled in for suspended crew chief Mardy Lindley and guided rookie Connor Zilisch to his first 2025 oval victory at Pocono
• Zilisch described Jr.’s radio calls intensifying from quiet guidance in early stages to fervent race-winning directives by Stage Three
• Jr. revealed that Lindley’s remote support was minimal, placing full strategic responsibility and decision-making on himself
• Kyle Busch initially branded the effort a “publicity stunt” and Jr. a “warm body” before clarifying he was critiquing suspension rules and acknowledging Jr.’s impact
• The Pocono triumph made Earnhardt Jr. the ninth person in NASCAR history to win as a driver, team owner, and crew chief