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10h ago

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Steers Zilisch to Pocono Victory in Crew Chief Debut

Stepping in for Mardy Lindley at Pocono Raceway, Earnhardt Jr. used strategic pit calls to guide Connor Zilisch to his first oval triumph.

Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Registix Chevrolet, and JR Motorsports team owner, and fill-in crew chief Dale Earnhardt Jr. celebrate in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series Explore the Pocono Mountains 250 at Pocono Raceway on June 21, 2025 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania.
Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Registix Chevrolet, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series Explore the Pocono Mountains 250 at Pocono Raceway on June 21, 2025 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania.
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Chase Briscoe crosses the finish line to win a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Pocono Raceway, Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Long Pond, Pa. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Overview

  • Mardy Lindley’s one-race suspension for a lug nut infraction at Nashville led to Dale Earnhardt Jr. taking over as crew chief for the No. 88 Chevrolet at Pocono Raceway.
  • Earnhardt Jr. and 18-year-old rookie Connor Zilisch used timely pit calls and coaching through restarts to secure Zilisch’s first oval victory and second Xfinity Series win.
  • The crew chief debut was supported by strategic input from former crew chief Steve Letarte and JR Motorsports engineers managing cautions and fuel windows.
  • Connor Zilisch quipped “Dale Junior, not too bad on the box” to praise his performance, and Earnhardt Jr. said the stint revived the competitive thrill he has missed.
  • The Pocono victory moved Zilisch to fifth in the Xfinity standings, and Earnhardt Jr. said he would gladly fill in as crew chief again if called upon.