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Nuevos episodios en NASCAR: Dale Jr. advierte a Connor Zilisch con 6 palabras sobre su primer año en la Copa.

Few seasons in the Xfinity Series have sparked as much buzz in the NASCAR garage as Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s young prodigy, Connor Zilisch’s 2025 campaign. Driving the No. 88 for JR Motorsports, the young talent has been on fire, notching his ninth win last weekend at Gateway in the Nu Way 200. That’s seven victories in his last eight starts, putting him on the cusp of Kyle Busch’s single-season record of 13 from 2010, with seven races still to go. His dominance has him locked in as the regular-season champion, carrying a hefty points lead into the playoffs. But Zilisch’s Xfinity success is one thing; his jump to the full-time Cup Series in 2026 with Trackhouse Racing, alongside the likes of Shane van Gisbergen, brings a whole new challenge.

He’s dipped his toe in Cup waters already this year, making three starts, including an 11th-place finish at Atlanta. But the full-time shift from Xfinity cars to the Next Gen machine, plus the brutal ovals, could test him like never before. So, how will the NASCAR Cup Series potentially shock Connor Zilisch? Let’s hear from none other than his owner and onetime crew chief, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Jr.’s candid outlook on Zilisch’s rookie challenges

On the latest episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn’t hold back when sizing up Connor Zilisch’s impending rookie year in the Cup Series. Chatting with hosts about Zilisch’s blistering Xfinity form, Junior delivered a grounded six-word verdict. “first year to sort of be rough.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. pointed out that Trackhouse’s“hot and cold vibe” plays a role, saying, “They run the 600 fastest car there by far. And then disappear for a while.” This inconsistency, seen in their strong Coca-Cola 600 showing contrasted with quieter weeks elsewhere, could leave Zilisch mid-pack often as he adjusts. Drawing from Connor Zilisch‘s limited Cup exposure, like his DNF at COTA after tangling with teammate Daniel Suarez, Junior emphasized the patience needed, much like how Noah Gragson struggled post-Xfinity dominance, managing just three top-fives in two full Cup seasons despite 13 Xfinity wins.

The core of Junior’s caution lies in the massive gap between Xfinity and Cup machinery. “He’s learning an entirely new car, the short sidewall, the way this car feels, the way the car reacts and steps out, and all of those things will be very unique and different than what he’s experiencing in the Xfinity car,” Junior explained. Unlike the more forgiving Xfinity cars with taller sidewalls that allow aggressive cornering, the Next Gen Cup car demands precision amid dirty air and tighter margins for error; think how Zilisch might slap the wall on corner exit trailing traffic, a common rookie pitfall.

Junior compared it to Chase Briscoe‘s journey at Stewart-Haas Racing, where it took a whole first season to build that“new notebook” on the car’s limits without wrecking out and winning his first race at Phoenix. But still, Briscoe, jumping teams in 2025, racked up DNFs early before clicking with top-10 runs; Zilisch, with zero oval experience at the Cup level beyond brief superspeedway tastes, could mirror that grind on tracks like Daytona and Atlanta.

Still, Junior sees bright spots, especially on road courses where Zilisch thrives.“Wouldn’t be surprised if Connor battles for a win in a road course. I think that’s not stepping out of bounds,” he noted, crediting Shane van Gisbergen‘s setup tweaks for the Next Gen car after his own year-one learning curve. SVG, who debuted in the Cup in 2023 and now understands what the car needs to be better, will hand Zilisch a dialed-in machine — potentially fast from the jump at tracks like Sonoma, where Zilisch has already won in Xfinity.

Yet Junior tempered optimism:“So, he’s got to build up this sort of data point or buildup… a new notebook internally about what the car’s capable of doing.” This echoes Briscoe’s story, where avoiding toe-link breaks and bad-air mishaps turned a rough start into consistency. For Zilisch, smart survival in an opener like Daytona could set a solid tone, but expect some 20th-place runs turning into unplanned pit stops.

As Dale Jr. unpacks these transitions, his insights extend beyond rookies to the veterans chasing glory in these playoffs.

Dale Jr. sees Denny Hamlin poised for Cup breakthrough

Dale Earnhardt Jr. turned his podcast lens to the playoffs, zeroing in on Denny Hamlin as the driver best equipped for that long-sought championship. At 44, Hamlin has grabbed three Daytona 500s and 59 Cup wins, but the title has slipped away in finals at Phoenix time and again, like his 2020 title run in Phoenix, where he failed to lead a single lap and finished fourth, or 2021’s late-race fade at Martinsville when he was spun out by Alex Bowman.

Junior praised Hamlin’s evolution, stating,“Every year we say, ‘Man, this is his best shot.’ What Denny’s been able to do over the last handful of seasons to be one of the favorites, one of the contenders year after year after year. And literally every single year it seems like he’s even better.”

This build-up culminated in Hamlin’s recent Gateway win, his fifth of 2025, clinching a Round of 12 spot despite Joe Gibbs Racing‘s crew shake-ups. Junior doubled down on Hamlin’s edge, saying, “It really does feel like he’s in the best position he’s ever been in… Right now, I think we can say, maybe for the first time, that he’s the best car in the field at this point.”

Unlike peers fading with age, Hamlin’s work ethic, honed under Joe Gibbs’ guidance, keeps him sharp against youngsters. With the No. 11 Camry humming, Junior views this as Hamlin’s window to finally hoist the trophy before Phoenix.

Fuente: https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-dale-jr-warns-connor-zilisch-with-six-word-honest-verdict-on-his-rookie-cup-run/

NASCAR’s buzz surrounding Connor Zilisch’s 2025 campaign in the Xfinity Series – driving the No. 88 for JR Motorsports – has been undeniable, particularly after his ninth win last weekend at Gateway in the Nu Way 200. With seven victories in his last eight starts, he’s on the cusp of Kyle Busch’s single-season record of 13 from 2010, and is already the regular-season champion. However, his upcoming jump to the full-time Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing in 2026, alongside Shane van Gisbergen, presents a significant challenge.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s candid outlook on Zilisch’s rookie year was delivered with a blunt six-word verdict: “first year to sort of be rough.” Junior highlighted Trackhouse’s “hot and cold vibe,” noting their dominance at the 600 and subsequent inconsistencies. This could leave Zilisch mid-pack frequently as he adjusts to the Next Gen car.

Drawing on Zilisch’s limited Cup exposure – including an 11th-place finish at Atlanta and a DNF at COTA after tangling with Daniel Suarez – Junior emphasized the patience needed, echoing Noah Gragson’s struggles post-Xfinity dominance. The vast gap between Xfinity and Cup machinery is key: the Next Gen car demands precision amid dirty air and tighter margins, potentially leading to rookie errors like slapping the wall on corner exits.

Comparing Zilisch’s journey to Chase Briscoe’s first season at Stewart-Haas Racing – where he “built a new notebook” through trial and error – Junior predicted a similar grind, particularly on oval tracks like Daytona and Atlanta. Despite this, Zilisch thrives on road courses, where he could contend for a win, especially if Shane van Gisbergen’s setup tweaks – honed after his own year-one learning curve – are applied.

“He’s got to build up this sort of data point or buildup… a new notebook internally about what the car’s capable of doing,” Junior stated, reiterating the need for adaptation.

Beyond Zilisch, Junior also assessed the Cup playoffs, identifying Denny Hamlin as the best positioned driver. Hamlin’s consistent performance over recent seasons, including his recent Gateway win, has earned him a Round of 12 spot, despite crew shake-ups at Joe Gibbs Racing. Hamlin’s work ethic, honed under Joe Gibbs’ guidance, keeps him sharp against younger rivals, and Junior believes this is Hamlin’s window to finally win the championship, likely at Phoenix.

Fuente: https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-dale-jr-warns-connor-zilisch-with-six-word-honest-verdict-on-his-rookie-cup-run/

NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Xfinity: NASCAR Xfinity Series Race at Dover Jul 19, 2025 Dover, Delaware, USA NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Connor Zilisch stands on pit road prior to the BetRivers 200 at Dover Motor Speedway. Dover Dover Motor Speedway Delaware USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMatthewxO Harenx 20250719_cec_bm2_138

Few seasons in the Xfinity Series have sparked as much buzz in the NASCAR garage as Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s young prodigy, Connor Zilisch’s 2025 campaign. Driving the No. 88 for JR Motorsports, the young talent has been on fire, notching his ninth win last weekend at Gateway in the Nu Way 200. That’s seven victories in his last eight starts, putting him on the cusp of Kyle Busch’s single-season record of 13 from 2010, with seven races still to go. His dominance has him locked in as the regular-season champion, carrying a hefty points lead into the playoffs. But Zilisch’s Xfinity success is one thing; his jump to the full-time Cup Series in 2026 with Trackhouse Racing, alongside the likes of Shane van Gisbergen, brings a whole new challenge.

He’s dipped his toe in Cup waters already this year, making three starts, including an 11th-place finish at Atlanta. But the full-time shift from Xfinity cars to the Next Gen machine, plus the brutal ovals, could test him like never before. So, how will the NASCAR Cup Series potentially shock Connor Zilisch? Let’s hear from none other than his owner and onetime crew chief, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Jr.’s candid outlook on Zilisch’s rookie challenges

On the latest episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn’t hold back when sizing up Connor Zilisch’s impending rookie year in the Cup Series. Chatting with hosts about Zilisch’s blistering Xfinity form, Junior delivered a grounded six-word verdict: “first year to sort of be rough.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. pointed out that Trackhouse’s “hot and cold vibe” plays a role, saying, “They run the 600 fastest car there by far. And then disappear for a while.” This inconsistency, seen in their strong Coca-Cola 600 showing contrasted with quieter weeks elsewhere, could leave Zilisch mid-pack often as he adjusts. Drawing from Connor Zilisch‘s limited Cup exposure, like his DNF at COTA after tangling with teammate Daniel Suarez, Junior emphasized the patience needed, much like how Noah Gragson struggled post-Xfinity dominance, managing just three top-fives in two full Cup seasons despite 13 Xfinity wins.

The core of Junior’s caution lies in the massive gap between Xfinity and Cup machinery. “He’s learning an entirely new car, the short sidewall, the way this car feels, the way the car reacts and steps out, and all of those things will be very unique and different than what he’s experiencing in the Xfinity car,” Junior explained. Unlike the more forgiving Xfinity cars with taller sidewalls that allow aggressive cornering, the Next Gen Cup car demands precision amid dirty air and tighter margins for error; think how Zilisch might slap the wall on corner exit trailing traffic, a common rookie pitfall.

Unlike the more forgiving Xfinity cars with taller sidewalls that allow aggressive cornering, the Next Gen Cup car demands precision amid dirty air and tighter margins for error; think how Zilisch might slap the wall on corner exit trailing traffic, a common rookie pitfall.

Junior compared it to Chase Briscoe’s journey at Stewart-Haas Racing, where it took a whole first season to build that “new notebook” on the car’s limits without wrecking out and winning his first race at Phoenix. But still, Briscoe, jumping teams in 2025, racked up DNFs early before clicking with top-10 runs; Zilisch, with zero oval experience at the Cup level beyond brief superspeedway tastes, could mirror that grind on tracks like Daytona and Atlanta.

Still, Junior sees bright spots, especially on road courses where Zilisch thrives. “Wouldn’t be surprised if Connor battles for a win in a road course. I think that’s not stepping out of bounds,” he noted, crediting Shane van Gisbergen’s setup tweaks for the Next Gen car after his own year-one learning curve. SVG, who debuted in the Cup in 2023 and now understands what the car needs to be better, will hand Zilisch a dialed-in machine — potentially fast from the jump at tracks like Sonoma, where Zilisch has already won in Xfinity.

Yet Junior tempered optimism: “So, he’s got to build up this sort of data point or buildup… a new notebook internally about what the car’s capable of doing.” This echoes Briscoe’s story, where avoiding toe-link breaks and bad-air mishaps turned a rough start into consistency. For Zilisch, smart survival in an opener like Daytona could set a solid tone, but expect some 20th-place runs turning into unplanned pit stops.

As Dale Jr. unpacks these transitions, his insights extend beyond rookies to the veterans chasing glory in these playoffs.

Dale Jr. sees Denny Hamlin poised for Cup breakthrough

Dale Earnhardt Jr. turned his podcast lens to the playoffs, zeroing in on Denny Hamlin as the driver best equipped for that long-sought championship. At 44, Hamlin has grabbed three Daytona 500s and 59 Cup wins, but the title has slipped away in finals at Phoenix time and again, like his 2020 title run in Phoenix, where he failed to lead a single lap and finished fourth, or 2021’s late-race fade at Martinsville when he was spun out by Alex Bowman.

Junior praised Hamlin’s evolution, stating, “Every year we say, ‘Man, this is his best shot.’ What Denny’s been able to do over the last handful of seasons to be one of the favorites, one of the contenders year after year after year. And literally every single year it seems like he’s even better.”

This build-up culminated in Hamlin’s recent Gateway win, his fifth of 2025, clinching a Round of 12 spot despite Joe Gibbs Racing‘s crew shake-ups. Junior doubled down on Hamlin’s edge, saying, “It really does feel like he’s in the best position he’s ever been in… Right now, I think we can say, maybe for the first time, that he’s the best car in the field at this point.”

Unlike peers fading with age, Hamlin’s work ethic, honed under Joe Gibbs’ guidance, keeps him sharp against youngsters. With the No. 11 Camry humming, Junior views this as Hamlin’s window to finally hoist the trophy before Phoenix.

Fuente: https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-dale-jr-warns-connor-zilisch-with-six-word-honest-verdict-on-his-rookie-cup-run/

NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Xfinity: NASCAR Xfinity Series Race at Dover Jul 19, 2025 Dover, Delaware, USA NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Connor Zilisch stands on pit road prior to the BetRivers 200 at Dover Motor Speedway. Dover Dover Motor Speedway Delaware USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMatthewxO Harenx 20250719_cec_bm2_138

Few seasons in the Xfinity Series have sparked as much buzz in the NASCAR garage as Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s young prodigy, Connor Zilisch’s 2025 campaign. Driving the No. 88 for JR Motorsports, the young talent has been on fire, notching his ninth win last weekend at Gateway in the Nu Way 200. That’s seven victories in his last eight starts, putting him on the cusp of Kyle Busch’s single-season record of 13 from 2010, with seven races still to go. His dominance has him locked in as the regular-season champion, carrying a hefty points lead into the playoffs. But Zilisch’s Xfinity success is one thing; his jump to the full-time Cup Series in 2026 with Trackhouse Racing, alongside the likes of Shane van Gisbergen, brings a whole new challenge.

He’s dipped his toe in Cup waters already this year, making three starts, including an 11th-place finish at Atlanta. But the full-time shift from Xfinity cars to the Next Gen machine, plus the brutal ovals, could test him like never before. So, how will the NASCAR Cup Series potentially shock Connor Zilisch? Let’s hear from none other than his owner and onetime crew chief, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Jr.’s candid outlook on Zilisch’s rookie challenges

On the latest episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn’t hold back when sizing up Connor Zilisch’s impending rookie year in the Cup Series. Chatting with hosts about Zilisch’s blistering Xfinity form, Junior delivered a grounded six-word verdict: “first year to sort of be rough.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. pointed out that Trackhouse’s “hot and cold vibe” plays a role, saying, “They run the 600 fastest car there by far. And then disappear for a while.” This inconsistency, seen in their strong Coca-Cola 600 showing contrasted with quieter weeks elsewhere, could leave Zilisch mid-pack often as he adjusts. Drawing from Connor Zilisch’s limited Cup exposure, like his DNF at COTA after tangling with teammate Daniel Suarez, Junior emphasized the patience needed, much like how Noah Gragson struggled post-Xfinity dominance, managing just three top-fives in two full Cup seasons despite 13 Xfinity wins.

The core of Junior’s caution lies in the massive gap between Xfinity and Cup machinery. “He’s learning an entirely new car, the short sidewall, the way this car feels, the way the car reacts and steps out, and all of those things will be very unique and different than what he’s experiencing in the Xfinity car,” Junior explained. Unlike the more forgiving Xfinity cars with taller sidewalls that allow aggressive cornering, the Next Gen Cup car demands precision amid dirty air and tighter margins for error; think how Zilisch might slap the wall on corner exit trailing traffic, a common rookie pitfall.

NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Xfinity: NASCAR Xfinity Series Race at Dover Jul 19, 2025 Dover, Delaware, USA NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Connor Zilisch stands on pit road prior to the BetRivers 200 at Dover Motor Speedway. Dover Dover Motor Speedway Delaware USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMatthewxO Harenx 20250719_cec_bm2_138

Junior compared it to Chase Briscoe’s journey at Stewart-Haas Racing, where it took a whole first season to build that “new notebook” on the car’s limits without wrecking out and winning his first race at Phoenix. But still, Briscoe, jumping teams in 2025, racked up DNFs early before clicking with top-10 runs; Zilisch, with zero oval experience at the Cup level beyond brief superspeedway tastes, could mirror that grind on tracks like Daytona and Atlanta.

Still, Junior sees bright spots, especially on road courses where Zilisch thrives. “Wouldn’t be surprised if Connor battles for a win in a road course. I think that’s not stepping out of bounds,” he noted, crediting Shane van Gisbergen’s setup tweaks for the Next Gen car after his own year-one learning curve. SVG, who debuted in the Cup in 2023 and now understands what the car needs to be better, will hand Zilisch a dialed-in machine — potentially fast from the jump at tracks like Sonoma, where Zilisch has already won in Xfinity.

Yet Junior tempered optimism: “So, he’s got to build up this sort of data point or buildup… a new notebook internally about what the car’s capable of doing.” This echoes Briscoe’s story, where avoiding toe-link breaks and bad-air mishaps turned a rough start into consistency. For Zilisch, smart survival in an opener like Daytona could set a solid tone, but expect some 20th-place runs turning into unplanned pit stops.

As Dale Jr. unpacks these transitions, his insights extend beyond rookies to the veterans chasing glory in these playoffs.

Dale Jr. sees Denny Hamlin poised for Cup breakthrough

Dale Earnhardt Jr. turned his podcast lens to the playoffs, zeroing in on Denny Hamlin as the driver best equipped for that long-sought championship. At 44, Hamlin has grabbed three Daytona 500s and 59 Cup wins, but the title has slipped away in finals at Phoenix time and again, like his 2020 title run in Phoenix, where he failed to lead a single lap and finished fourth, or 2021’s late-race fade at Martinsville when he was spun out by Alex Bowman.

Junior praised Hamlin’s evolution, stating, “Every year we say, ‘Man, this is his best shot.’ What Denny’s been able to do over the last handful of seasons to be one of the favorites, one of the contenders year after year after year. And literally every single year it seems like he’s even better.”

This build-up culminated in Hamlin’s recent Gateway win, his fifth of 2025, clinching a Round of 12 spot despite Joe Gibbs Racing’s crew shake-ups. Junior doubled down on Hamlin’s edge, saying, “It really does feel like he’s in the best position he’s ever been in… Right now, I think we can say, maybe for the first time, that he’s the best car in the field at this point.”

Unlike peers fading with age, Hamlin’s work ethic, honed under Joe Gibbs’ guidance, keeps him sharp against youngsters. With the No. 11 Camry humming, Junior views this as Hamlin’s window to finally hoist the trophy before Phoenix.

Fuente: https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-dale-jr-warns-connor-zilisch-with-six-word-honest-verdict-on-his-rookie-cup-run/

Few seasons in the Xfinity Series have sparked as much buzz in the NASCAR garage as Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s young prodigy, Connor Zilisch’s 2025 campaign. Driving the No. 88 for JR Motorsports, the young talent has been on fire, notching his ninth win last weekend at Gateway in the Nu Way 200. That’s seven victories in his last eight starts, putting him on the cusp of Kyle Busch’s single-season record of 13 from 2010, with seven races still to go. His dominance has him locked in as the regular-season champion, carrying a hefty points lead into the playoffs. But Zilisch’s Xfinity success is one thing; his jump to the full-time Cup Series in 2026 with Trackhouse Racing, alongside the likes of Shane van Gisbergen, brings a whole new challenge.

He’s dipped his toe in Cup waters already this year, making three starts, including an 11th-place finish at Atlanta. But the full-time shift from Xfinity cars to the Next Gen machine, plus the brutal ovals, could test him like never before. So, how will the NASCAR Cup Series potentially shock Connor Zilisch? Let’s hear from none other than his owner and onetime crew chief, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Jr.’s candid outlook on Zilisch’s rookie challenges

On the latest episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn’t hold back when sizing up Connor Zilisch’s impending rookie year in the Cup Series. Chatting with hosts about Zilisch’s blistering Xfinity form, Junior delivered a grounded six-word verdict: “first year to sort of be rough.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. pointed out that Trackhouse’s “hot and cold vibe” plays a role, saying, “They run the 600 fastest car there by far. And then disappear for a while.” This inconsistency, seen in their strong Coca-Cola 600 showing contrasted with quieter weeks elsewhere, could leave Zilisch mid-pack often as he adjusts. Drawing from Connor Zilisch’s limited Cup exposure, like his DNF at COTA after tangling with teammate Daniel Suarez, Junior emphasized the patience needed, much like how Noah Gragson struggled post-Xfinity dominance, managing just three top-fives in two full Cup seasons despite 13 Xfinity wins.

The core of Junior’s caution lies in the massive gap between Xfinity and Cup machinery. “He’s learning an entirely new car, the short sidewall, the way this car feels, the way the car reacts and steps out, and all of those things will be very unique and different than what he’s experiencing in the Xfinity car,” Junior explained. Unlike the more forgiving Xfinity cars with taller sidewalls that allow aggressive cornering, the Next Gen Cup car demands precision amid dirty air and tighter margins for error; think how Zilisch might slap the wall on corner exit trailing traffic, a common rookie pitfall.

Junior compared it to Chase Briscoe’s journey at Stewart-Haas Racing, where it took a whole first season to build that “new notebook” on the car’s limits without wrecking out and winning his first race at Phoenix. But still, Briscoe, jumping teams in 2025, racked up DNFs early before clicking with top-10 runs; Zilisch, with zero oval experience at the Cup level beyond brief superspeedway tastes, could mirror that grind on tracks like Daytona and Atlanta.

Still, Junior sees bright spots, especially on road courses where Zilisch thrives. “Wouldn’t be surprised if Connor battles for a win in a road course. I think that’s not stepping out of bounds,” he noted, crediting Shane van Gisbergen‘s setup tweaks for the Next Gen car after his own year-one learning curve. SVG, who debuted in the Cup in 2023 and now understands what the car needs to be better, will hand Zilisch a dialed-in machine — potentially fast from the jump at tracks like Sonoma, where Zilisch has already won in Xfinity.

Yet Junior tempered optimism: “So, he’s got to build up this sort of data point or buildup… a new notebook internally about what the car’s capable of doing.” This echoes Briscoe’s story, where avoiding toe-link breaks and bad-air mishaps turned a rough start into consistency. For Zilisch, smart survival in an opener like Daytona could set a solid tone, but expect some 20th-place runs turning into unplanned pit stops.

As Dale Jr. unpacks these transitions, his insights extend beyond rookies to the veterans chasing glory in these playoffs.

Dale Jr. sees Denny Hamlin poised for Cup breakthrough

Dale Earnhardt Jr. turned his podcast lens to the playoffs, zeroing in on Denny Hamlin as the driver best equipped for that long-sought championship. At 44, Hamlin has grabbed three Daytona 500s and 59 Cup wins, but the title has slipped away in finals at Phoenix time and again, like his 2020 title run in Phoenix, where he failed to lead a single lap and finished fourth, or 2021’s late-race fade at Martinsville when he was spun out by Alex Bowman.

Junior praised Hamlin’s evolution, stating, “Every year we say, ‘Man, this is his best shot.’ What Denny’s been able to do over the last handful of seasons to be one of the favorites, one of the contenders year after year after year. And literally every single year it seems like he’s even better.”

This build-up culminated in Hamlin’s recent Gateway win, his fifth of 2025, clinching a Round of 12 spot despite Joe Gibbs Racing‘s crew shake-ups. Junior doubled down on Hamlin’s edge, saying, “It really does feel like he’s in the best position he’s ever been in… Right now, I think we can say, maybe for the first time, that he’s the best car in the field at this point.”

Unlike peers fading with age, Hamlin’s work ethic, honed under Joe Gibbs’ guidance, keeps him sharp against youngsters. With the No. 11 Camry humming, Junior views this as Hamlin’s window to finally hoist the trophy before Phoenix.

Fuente: https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-dale-jr-warns-connor-zilisch-with-six-word-honest-verdict-on-his-rookie-cup-run/

Few seasons in the Xfinity Series have sparked as much buzz in the NASCAR garage as Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s young prodigy, Connor Zilisch’s 2025 campaign. Driving the No. 88 for JR Motorsports, the young talent has been on fire, notching his ninth win last weekend at Gateway in the Nu Way 200. That’s seven victories in his last eight starts, putting him on the cusp of Kyle Busch’s single-season record of 13 from 2010, with seven races still to go. His dominance has him locked in as the regular-season champion, carrying a hefty points lead into the playoffs. But Zilisch’s Xfinity success is one thing; his jump to the full-time Cup Series in 2026 with Trackhouse Racing, alongside the likes of Shane van Gisbergen, brings a whole new challenge.

He’s dipped his toe in Cup waters already this year, making three starts, including an 11th-place finish at Atlanta. But the full-time shift from Xfinity cars to the Next Gen machine, plus the brutal ovals, could test him like never before. So, how will the NASCAR Cup Series potentially shock Connor Zilisch? Let’s hear from none other than his owner and onetime crew chief, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Jr.’s candid outlook on Zilisch’s rookie challenges

On the latest episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn’t hold back when sizing up Connor Zilisch’s impending rookie year in the Cup Series. Chatting with hosts about Zilisch’s blistering Xfinity form, Junior delivered a grounded six-word verdict: “first year to sort of be rough.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. pointed out that Trackhouse’s “hot and cold vibe” plays a role, saying, “They run the 600 fastest car there by far. And then disappear for a while.” This inconsistency, seen in their strong Coca-Cola 600 showing contrasted with quieter weeks elsewhere, could leave Zilisch mid-pack often as he adjusts. Drawing from Connor Zilisch‘s limited Cup exposure, like his DNF at COTA after tangling with teammate Daniel Suarez, Junior emphasized the patience needed, much like how Noah Gragson struggled post-Xfinity dominance, managing just three top-fives in two full Cup seasons despite 13 Xfinity wins.

The core of Junior’s caution lies in the massive gap between Xfinity and Cup machinery. “He’s learning an entirely new car, the short sidewall, the way this car feels, the way the car reacts and steps out, and all of those things will be very unique and different than what he’s experiencing in the Xfinity car,” Junior explained. Unlike the more forgiving Xfinity cars with taller sidewalls that allow aggressive cornering, the Next Gen Cup car demands precision amid dirty air and tighter margins for error; think how Zilisch might slap the wall on corner exit trailing traffic, a common rookie pitfall.

Junior compared it to Chase Briscoe’s journey at Stewart-Haas Racing, where it took a whole first season to build that “new notebook” on the car’s limits without wrecking out and winning his first race at Phoenix. But still, Briscoe, jumping teams in 2025, racked up DNFs early before clicking with top-10 runs; Zilisch, with zero oval experience at the Cup level beyond brief superspeedway tastes, could mirror that grind on tracks like Daytona and Atlanta.

Still, Junior sees bright spots, especially on road courses where Zilisch thrives. “Wouldn’t be surprised if Connor battles for a win in a road course. I think that’s not stepping out of bounds,” he noted, crediting Shane van Gisbergen‘s setup tweaks for the Next Gen car after his own year-one learning curve. SVG, who debuted in the Cup in 2023 and now understands what the car needs to be better, will hand Zilisch a dialed-in machine — potentially fast from the jump at tracks like Sonoma, where Zilisch has already won in Xfinity.

Yet Junior tempered optimism: “So, he’s got to build up this sort of data point or buildup… a new notebook internally about what the car’s capable of doing.” This echoes Briscoe’s story, where avoiding toe-link breaks and bad-air mishaps turned a rough start into consistency. For Zilisch, smart survival in an opener like Daytona could set a solid tone, but expect some 20th-place runs turning into unplanned pit stops.

As Dale Jr. unpacks these transitions, his insights extend beyond rookies to the veterans chasing glory in these playoffs.

Dale Jr. sees Denny Hamlin poised for Cup breakthrough

Dale Earnhardt Jr. turned his podcast lens to the playoffs, zeroing in on Denny Hamlin as the driver best equipped for that long-sought championship. At 44, Hamlin has grabbed three Daytona 500s and 59 Cup wins, but the title has slipped away in finals at Phoenix time and again, like his 2020 title run in Phoenix, where he failed to lead a single lap and finished fourth, or 2021’s late-race fade at Martinsville when he was spun out by Alex Bowman.

Junior praised Hamlin’s evolution, stating, “Every year we say, ‘Man, this is his best shot.’ What Denny’s been able to do over the last handful of seasons to be one of the favorites, one of the contenders year after year after year. And literally every single year it seems like he’s even better.”

This build-up culminated in Hamlin’s recent Gateway win, his fifth of 2025, clinching a Round of 12 spot despite Joe Gibbs Racing‘s crew shake-ups. Junior doubled down on Hamlin’s edge, saying, “It really does feel like he’s in the best position he’s ever been in… Right now, I think we can say, maybe for the first time, that he’s the best car in the field at this point.”

Unlike peers fading with age, Hamlin’s work ethic, honed under Joe Gibbs’ guidance, keeps him sharp against youngsters. With the No. 11 Camry humming, Junior views this as Hamlin’s window to finally hoist the trophy before Phoenix.

Fuente: https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-dale-jr-warns-connor-zilisch-with-six-word-honest-verdict-on-his-rookie-cup-run/

Nuevos episodios en la Serie Xfinity han generado tanta expectación en el garaje de NASCAR como el ascenso de Connor Zilisch en 2025, el joven prodigio de Dale Earnhardt Jr. Con el No. 88 para JR Motorsports, el joven talento ha estado en llamas, consiguiendo su novena victoria el fin de semana pasado en Gateway en el Nu Way 200. Siete victorias en sus últimos ocho puntos, lo coloca al borde de los récords de 13 de Kyle Busch de 2010, con siete carreras restantes. Su dominio lo tiene asegurado como el campeón de la temporada regular, con una importante ventaja en puntos para los playoffs. Pero el éxito de Zilisch en la Xfinity es una cosa; su salto al Campeonato de Copa en 2026 con Trackhouse Racing, junto con figuras como Shane van Gisbergen, presenta un nuevo desafío.

Está probando el agua en aguas de la Copa ya este año, realizando tres puntos de inicio, incluyendo un 11to lugar en Atlanta. Pero el cambio completo de la Xfinity a la Copa, además de los circuitos de óvalo brutales, podrían ponerlo a prueba como nunca antes. ¿Cómo podría la Serie de Copa sorprender a Connor Zilisch? Escuchemos a ninguno más que a su dueño y antiguo jefe de equipo, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

La perspectiva sincera de Dale Jr. sobre los desafíos de debut de Zilisch

En el último episodio del podcast Dale Jr. Download, Dale Earnhardt Jr. no se anduvo con rodeos al evaluar el primer año de Zilisch en la Copa. Charlando con los anfitriones sobre el impresionante rendimiento de Zilisch en la Xfinity, Junior entregó un veredicto de seis palabras: “Primer año a ser un poco complicado”.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. señaló que la “actitud volátil” de Trackhouse juega un papel, diciendo: “Conduce el 600 más rápido por lejos. Y luego desaparece por un tiempo”. Esta inconsistencia, vista en su fuerte actuación en la Coca-Cola 600 contrastada con semanas más tranquilas, podría dejar a Zilisch a menudo en la mitad del pelotón a medida que se ajusta. Basándose en la limitada experiencia de Cup de Connor Zilisch, como su DNF en COTA después de enredarse con su compañero de equipo Daniel Suarez, Junior enfatizó la paciencia necesaria, al igual que Noah Gragson luchó después de su dominio en la Xfinity, consiguiendo solo tres quintos en dos temporadas completas de la Copa, a pesar de 13 victorias en la Xfinity.

El núcleo de la advertencia de Junior radica en la enorme brecha entre la Xfinity y la máquina de la Copa. “Está aprendiendo un coche completamente nuevo, con un lateral estrecho, la forma en que este coche se siente, la forma en que el coche reacciona y se desplaza, y todos esos factores serán muy únicos y diferentes a lo que está experimentando en la Xfinity”, explicó Junior. A diferencia de las máquinas más indulgentes de la Xfinity con laterales más altos que permiten una conducción agresiva en las esquinas, el coche Next Gen de la Copa exige precisión en el aire sucio y márgenes de error más ajustados; piensa en cómo Zilisch podría golpear la pared en la salida de la esquina tras el tráfico, un error común para los novatos en los pits.

Lo comparó con el viaje de Chase Briscoe en Stewart-Haas Racing, donde le tomó una temporada completa para construir ese “nuevo cuaderno” en el coche en cuanto a los límites, sin quequearse y ganar su primera carrera en Phoenix. Pero aún así, Briscoe, cambiando de equipos en 2025, acumuló DNF temprano antes de conectar con puntos de diez primeros, Zilisch, sin experiencia en óvalos a nivel de la Copa más allá de gustos de alta velocidad, podría replicar esa ralla en circuitos como Daytona y Atlanta.

Aún así, Junior ve puntos brillantes, especialmente en circuitos de carretera donde Zilisch prospera. “No me extrañaría que Connor dispute una victoria en un circuito de carretera. Creo que no está saliendo de los límites”, comentó, dando crédito a los ajustes de configuración de Shane van Gisbergen para el coche Next Gen después de su propia curva de aprendizaje de un año, SVG, que debutó en la Copa en 2023 y ahora comprende lo que necesita el coche para mejorar, dará a Zilisch una máquina afinada, potencialmente rápida desde el principio en circuitos como Sonoma, donde Zilisch ya ha ganado en la Xfinity.

Sin embargo, Junior tempereó la optimismo: “Así que tiene que construir este tipo de punto de datos o acumulación… un nuevo cuaderno internamente sobre lo que puede hacer el coche”. Esto se refleja en la historia de Briscoe, donde evitar que se rompieran los enlaces y los problemas con el aire sucio convirtió un comienzo difícil en consistencia. Para Zilisch, sobrevivir con éxito en un apertura como Daytona podría sentar un tono sólido, pero espere algunas carreras en el puesto 20 que se convierten en paradas inesperadas en los pits.

A medida que Dale Jr. desglosa estas transiciones, sus perspectivas se extienden más allá de los novatos a los veteranos que persiguen la gloria en estos playoffs.

Ve Dale Jr. a Denny Hamlin listo para un impacto en la Copa

Dale Earnhardt Jr. viró el podcast hacia los playoffs, enfocándose en Denny Hamlin como el conductor mejor equipado para ese título buscado. Con 44 años, Hamlin ha conseguido tres victorias en el 500 de Daytona y 59 victorias en la Copa, pero el título se ha escapado en finales en Phoenix una y otra vez, como su intento de título en 2020 en Phoenix, donde no lideró ni un solo lap y terminó cuarto, o el desvanecimiento tardío de 2021 en Martinsville cuando fue spinado por Alex Bowman.

Junior elogió la evolución de Hamlin, diciendo: “Cada año decimos: ‘Hombre, esto es su mejor oportunidad’. Lo que ha podido hacer Hamlin en las últimas décadas para ser uno de los favoritos, uno de los contendientes año tras año tras año. Y literalmente cada año parece que está incluso mejor”.

Esto culminó en la reciente victoria de Hamlin en Gateway, su quinta de 2025, asegurando un lugar en el Grupo de 12 a pesar de los cambios de tripulación en JGR. Junior reforzó la ventaja de Hamlin, diciendo: “Realmente se siente como si estuviera en la mejor posición que ha estado en su vida… Ahora, podemos decir que, por primera vez, que él es el mejor auto en el campo en este momento”. A diferencia de los compañeros de equipo que se desvanecen con la edad, el trabajo duro de Hamlin, perfeccionado bajo la guía de Joe Gibbs, lo mantiene afilado contra los jóvenes. Con el No. 11 Camry funcionando, Junior ve esto como la ventana de Hamlin para finalmente levantar el trofeo antes de Phoenix.

Fuente: https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-dale-jr-warns-connor-zilisch-with-six-word-honest-verdict-on-his-rookie-cup-run/

Nuevas temporadas en la Xfinity Series han generado tanta expectativa en el taller de NASCAR como la trayectoria de 2025 de Connor Zilisch, el joven prodigio de Dale Earnhardt Jr. Con el No. 88 para JR Motorsports, el talento joven ha estado en llamas, logrando su novena victoria el fin de semana pasado en Gateway en el Nu Way 200. Siete victorias en sus últimos ocho stints, lo colocan al borde del récord de una temporada de Kyle Busch de 13, con siete carreras restantes. Su dominio le garantiza ser el campeón de la temporada regular, con una importante ventaja en los puntos para los playoffs. Pero el éxito de Zilisch en Xfinity es una cosa; su salto a la Copa en 2026 con Trackhouse Racing, junto a pilotos como Shane van Gisbergen, presenta un nuevo desafío por completo.

Él ya ha dado sus primeros pasos en la Copa, realizando tres inicios, incluyendo un décimo lugar en Atlanta. Pero el cambio a tiempo completo de las Xfinity a la Copa, junto con las pistas ovales brutales, podría ponerlo a prueba como nunca antes. ¿Cómo podría la Copa sorprender a Connor Zilisch? Escuchemos a su propietario y ex jefe de equipo, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

La perspectiva candida de Dale Jr. sobre los desafíos de Zilisch

En el último episodio del podcast Dale Jr. Download, Dale Earnhardt Jr. no se guardó nada al analizar la próxima temporada de Copa de Zilisch. Hablando con los anfitriones sobre la forma incendiaria de Zilisch en Xfinity, Junior entregó un veredicto de seis palabras: “primero año para ser un poco brusco”.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. señaló que el “ambiente de altibajos” de Trackhouse juega un papel, diciendo: “Conduce el 600 más rápido, por lejos. Y luego desaparece durante un tiempo”. Esta inconsistencia, vista en su fuerte actuación en el Coca-Cola 600 en contraste con semanas más tranquilas en otros lugares, podría dejar a Zilisch en la media del grupo con frecuencia a medida que se adapta. Basándose en la limitada experiencia de Cup de Connor Zilisch, como su DNF en COTA después de chocar con su compañero de equipo Daniel Suárez, Junior enfatizó la paciencia necesaria, al igual que Noah Gragson luchó después de su dominio en Xfinity, obteniendo solo tres quintos en dos temporadas completas de Copa a pesar de 13 victorias en Xfinity.

El núcleo de la advertencia de Junior radica en la enorme brecha entre las máquinas de Xfinity y las de Copa. “Está aprendiendo un auto completamente nuevo, la muesca lateral corta, la forma en que este auto se siente, la forma en que el auto reacciona y sale, y todos esos factores serán muy diferentes a lo que está experimentando en un auto de Xfinity”, explicó Junior. A diferencia de las máquinas más indulgentes de Xfinity con muescas laterales más altas que permiten una conducción agresiva en las esquinas, el auto Next Gen de la Copa exige precisión en el tráfico de aire sucio y márgenes de error más ajustados; piense en cómo Zilisch podría golpear la pared en la salida de la esquina persiguiendo el tráfico, un error común de un novato en un pitstop.

Junior lo comparó con el viaje de Chase Briscoe en Stewart-Haas Racing, donde le llevó una temporada completa para “construir ese nuevo cuaderno” sobre los límites del auto sin derribarse y ganar su primera carrera en Phoenix. Pero incluso Briscoe, saltando equipos en 2025, acumuló DNF temprano antes de sincronizarse con resultados décimos lugares; Zilisch, con cero experiencia en óvalos en la Copa más allá de pruebas superspeedway breves, podría reflejar ese mismo proceso de endurecimiento en pistas como Daytona y Atlanta.

Todavía ve puntos brillantes, especialmente en las pistas de carreteras donde Zilisch prospera. “No me sorprendería que Connor dispute una victoria en una pista de carreteras. Creo que eso no está fuera de los límites”, anotó, reconociendo las modificaciones de configuración de Shane van Gisbergen para el auto Next Gen después de su propia curva de aprendizaje en el primer año. SVG, quien debutó en la Copa en 2023 y ahora comprende lo que el auto necesita para ser mejor, entregará a Zilisch una máquina afinada —potencialmente rápida desde el principio en pistas como Sonoma, donde Zilisch ya ha ganado en Xfinity.

Sin embargo, Junior mitiga el optimismo: “Así que él tiene que construir este punto de datos o construcción… un nuevo cuaderno internamente sobre lo que es capaz de hacer el auto”. Esto refleja la historia de Briscoe, donde evitar las roturas del enlace de suspensión y los problemas con el aire sucio convirtió un comienzo difícil en consistencia. Para Zilisch, sobrevivir de manera inteligente en un debut como Daytona podría establecer un tono sólido, pero espere algunas carreras décimos lugares que se conviertan en paradas inesperadas en el pit, un error común de un novato.

Como Dale Jr. desentraña estas transiciones, sus ideas van más allá de los novatos a los veteranos persiguiendo la gloria en estas finales.

Dale Jr. ve a Denny Hamlin preparado para su gran paso en la Copa

Dale Earnhardt Jr. giró su podcast para centrarse en los playoffs, enfocándose en Denny Hamlin como el conductor mejor equipado para ese granito de arena. A los 44 años, Hamlin ha conseguido tres victorias en el Daytona 500 y 59 victorias en la Copa, pero el título se ha escapado en finales en Phoenix una y otra vez, como su intento de título en 2020 en Phoenix, donde no lideró un solo lap y terminó cuarto, o su desvanecimiento tardío en 2021 en Martinsville cuando fue empujado por Alex Bowman.

Junior elogió la evolución de Hamlin, afirmando: “Cada año decimos: ‘El hombre, esto es su mejor oportunidad’. Lo que Hamlin ha podido hacer en las últimas décadas para ser uno de los favoritos, uno de los contendientes año tras año tras año. Y literalmente cada año parece que está mejor”.

Esto culminó en la reciente victoria de Hamlin en Gateway, su quinta de 2025, asegurándole un lugar en la Ronda de 12 a pesar de los cambios de tripulación en Joe Gibbs Racing. Junior redobló la apuesta por Hamlin, diciendo: “Realmente se siente como si estuviera en la mejor posición que ha estado jamás, … Ahora, podemos decir que, por primera vez, que es el mejor auto del grupo en este momento”.

A diferencia de los compañeros que se desvanecen con la edad, el ética de trabajo de Hamlin, moldeada por la guía de Joe Gibbs, lo mantiene agudo contra los jóvenes. Con el Camry No. 11 sonando, Junior ve esto como la ventana de Hamlin para finalmente alzar el trofeo antes de Phoenix.

Fuente: https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-dale-jr-warns-connor-zilisch-with-six-word-honest-verdict-on-his-rookie-cup-run/

Nuevos circuitos en la Serie Xfinity han generado tanta expectación en el taller de NASCAR como la campaña de 2025 del joven prodigio de Dale Earnhardt Jr., Connor Zilisch. Con el número 88 para JR Motorsports, el joven talento ha estado en llamas, anotando su novena victoria el fin de semana pasado en Gateway en el Nu Way 200. Eso son siete victorias en sus últimos ocho juegos, colocándolo en el umbral del récord de una sola temporada de Kyle Busch de 13 de 2010, con siete carreras restantes. Su dominio lo tiene asegurado como el campeón de la temporada regular, llevando una importante ventaja de puntos a los playoffs. Pero el éxito de Zilisch en la Xfinity es una cosa; su salto a la Copa en 2026 con Trackhouse Racing, junto con nombres como Shane van Gisbergen, presenta un nuevo desafío completo.

Está probando las aguas de la Copa ya este año, con tres juegos, incluyendo una undécima posición en Atlanta. Pero el paso de tiempo completo de los autos de Xfinity a la máquina Next Gen, además de los circuitos ovales brutales, podría probarlo como nunca antes. ¿Cómo podría la NASCAR Cup potencialmente sorprender a Connor Zilisch? Escuchemos de ninguno otro que su dueño y antiguo jefe de equipo, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

La perspectiva sin filtro de Dale Jr. sobre los desafíos de primera campaña de Zilisch

En el último episodio del podcast Dale Jr. Download, Dale Earnhardt Jr. no se anduvo con rodeos al evaluar el inminente año de primera campaña de Zilisch en la Copa. Charlando con los anfitriones sobre la forma de carrera de Zilisch en la Xfinity, Junior entregó una sentencia basada en los hechos de seis palabras. “El primer año será, en cierto modo, difícil.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. señaló que el “ambiente de altibajos” de Trackhouse juega un papel, diciendo: “Conduce el 600 más rápido de la máquina ahí. Y luego desaparece por un tiempo”. Esta inconsistencia, vista en su fuerte desempeño en la Coca-Cola 600 contrastada con semanas más tranquilas en otros lugares, podría dejar a Zilisch en la media parte a menudo mientras se adapta. Basándose en la limitada exposición de Cup de Connor Zilisch, como su DNF en COTA después de chocar con su compañero de equipo Daniel Suárez, Junior enfatizó la paciencia necesaria, al igual que Noah Gragson tuvo problemas tras el dominio de la Xfinity, solo consiguiendo tres quintos en dos temporadas completas de la Copa a pesar de 13 victorias en la Xfinity.

El núcleo de la precaución de Junior reside en la enorme brecha entre los autos de Xfinity y los de la Copa. “Está aprendiendo un auto completamente nuevo, el lateral corto, la forma en que este auto se siente, la forma en que el auto reacciona y da pasos, y todos esos factores serán muy únicos y diferentes a lo que está experimentando en el auto de Xfinity”, explicó Junior. A diferencia de los autos de Xfinity más indulgentes con paredes laterales más altas que permiten una conducción agresiva en las esquinas, la máquina Next Gen de la Copa exige precisión en medio de aire sucio y márgenes más ajustados para el error; pensar en cómo Zilisch podría golpearse contra la pared en la salida de esquinas moviéndose en el tráfico, un tropo común para los novatos en las paradas de neumáticos, Junior enfatizó la paciencia necesaria, al igual que Noah Gragson tuvo problemas tras el dominio de la Xfinity, solo consiguiendo tres quintos en dos temporadas completas de la Copa a pesar de 13 victorias en la Xfinity,

El núcleo de la precaución de Junior reside en la enorme brecha entre los autos de Xfinity y los de la Copa. “Está aprendiendo un auto completamente nuevo, el lateral corto, la forma en que este auto se siente, la forma en que el auto reacciona y da pasos, y todos esos factores serán muy únicos y diferentes a lo que está experimentando en el auto de Xfinity”, explicó Junior. Como contraste, Junior comparó su trayectoria con la de Chase Briscoe en Stewart-Haas Racing, donde tomó una temporada completa para construir ese “nuevo cuaderno” sobre los límites del auto sin volcar y ganar su primera carrera en Phoenix. Pero aún así, Briscoe, cambiando de equipos en 2025, acumuló DNF’s en los primeros compases antes de encajar con carreras en los diez primeros; Zilisch, con cero experiencia en circuitos ovales en la Copa más allá de pruebas superspeedway, podría replicar ese proceso en circuitos como Daytona y Atlanta.

Aún así, Junior ve puntos brillantes, especialmente en circuitos de carretera donde Zilisch prospera. “No sería sorprendente que Connor se compita por una victoria en un circuito de carretera. Creo que no se sale de los límites”, señaló, dando crédito a las configuraciones sutiles de Shane van Gisbergen para la máquina Next Gen después de su propia curva de aprendizaje de primer año. SVG, quien debutó en la Copa en 2023 y ahora comprende lo que necesita la máquina para ser mejor, entregará a Zilisch una máquina afinada —potencialmente rápida desde el principio en circuitos como Sonoma, donde Zilisch ya ha ganado en la Xfinity.

Sin embargo, Junior moderó el optimismo: “Así que tiene que construir este tipo de punto de datos o construcción… un nuevo cuaderno internamente sobre lo que es capaz de hacer el auto”. Esto resuena con la historia de Briscoe, donde evitar las roturas de enlace y los problemas de aire sucio se convirtió en consistencia. Para Zilisch, la supervivencia inteligente en un abrir y cerrar como Daytona podría establecer un tono sólido, pero espera algunos partidos de 20to lugar convirtiéndose en paradas de neumáticos inesperadas.

A medida que Dale Jr. desglosa estas transiciones, sus conocimientos se extienden más allá de los novatos a los veteranos persiguiendo la gloria en estas paradas de playoffs.

Dale Jr. ve a Denny Hamlin preparado para un avance de la Copa

Dale Earnhardt Jr. giró su lente de podcast al playoff, centrándose en Denny Hamlin como el conductor mejor preparado para ese título anhelado. A los 44 años, Hamlin ha obtenido tres victorias en el Daytona 500 y 59 victorias en la Copa, pero el título ha pasado por alto en finales en Phoenix repetidamente, como su carrera de título de 2020 en Phoenix, donde no lideró un solo lap y terminó cuarto, o la desaparición tardía de 2021 en Martinsville cuando fue sacado de la pista por Alex Bowman.

Junior elogió la evolución de Hamlin, diciendo: “Cada año decimos: ‘El hombre, esta es su mejor oportunidad’. Lo que Hamlin ha podido hacer en las últimas décadas para ser uno de los favoritos, uno de los contendientes año tras año tras año. Y literalmente cada año parece que está incluso mejor”.

Esto culminó en la reciente victoria de Hamlin en Gateway, su quinta del 2025, asegurando un lugar en el Top 12 a pesar de los cambios de tripulación en Joe Gibbs Racing. Junior hizo hincapié en el borde de Hamlin, diciendo: “Realmente se siente como si estuviera en la mejor posición en la que ha estado alguna vez… Ahora, podemos decir que, por primera vez, que es el mejor auto en el campo en este momento”.

A diferencia de los compañeros que están disminuyendo con la edad, el ética de trabajo de Hamlin, forjada bajo la guía de Joe Gibbs, lo mantiene agudo contra los jóvenes. Con el Camry número 11 vibrando, Junior ve esto como la ventana de Hamlin para finalmente levantar el trofeo antes de Phoenix.

Fuente: https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-dale-jr-warns-connor-zilisch-with-six-word-honest-verdict-on-his-rookie-cup-run/

Few seasons in the Xfinity Series have sparked as much buzz in the NASCAR garage as Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s young prodigy, Connor Zilisch’s 2025 campaign. Driving the No. 88 for JR Motorsports, the young talent has been on fire, notching his ninth win last weekend at Gateway in the Nu Way 200. That’s seven victories in his last eight starts, putting him on the cusp of Kyle Busch’s single-season record of 13 from 2010, with seven races still to go. His dominance has him locked in as the regular-season champion, carrying a hefty points lead into the playoffs. But Zilisch’s Xfinity success is one thing; his jump to the full-time Cup Series in 2026 with Trackhouse Racing, alongside the likes of Shane van Gisbergen, brings a whole new challenge.

He’s dipped his toe in Cup waters already this year, making three starts, including an 11th-place finish at Atlanta. But the full-time shift from Xfinity cars to the Next Gen machine, plus the brutal ovals, could test him like never before. So, how will the NASCAR Cup Series potentially shock Connor Zilisch? Let’s hear from none other than his owner and onetime crew chief, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Jr.’s candid outlook on Zilisch’s rookie challenges

On the latest episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn’t hold back when sizing up Connor Zilisch’s impending rookie year in the Cup Series. Chatting with hosts about Zilisch’s blistering Xfinity form, Junior delivered a grounded six-word verdict. “first year to sort of be rough.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. pointed out that Trackhouse’s “hot and cold vibe” plays a role, saying, “They run the 600 fastest car there by far. And then disappear for a while.” This inconsistency, seen in their strong Coca-Cola 600 showing contrasted with quieter weeks elsewhere, could leave Zilisch mid-pack often as he adjusts. Drawing from Connor Zilisch‘s limited Cup exposure, like his DNF at COTA after tangling with teammate Daniel Suarez, Junior emphasized the patience needed, much like how Noah Gragson struggled post-Xfinity dominance, managing just three top-fives in two full Cup seasons despite 13 Xfinity wins.

The core of Junior’s caution lies in the massive gap between Xfinity and Cup machinery. “He’s learning an entirely new car, the short sidewall, the way this car feels, the way the car reacts and steps out, and all of those things will be very unique and different than what he’s experiencing in the Xfinity car,” Junior explained. Unlike the more forgiving Xfinity cars with taller sidewalls that allow aggressive cornering, the Next Gen Cup car demands precision amid dirty air and tighter margins for error; think how Zilisch might slap the wall on corner exit trailing traffic, a common rookie pit stop.

Junior compared it to Chase Briscoe’s journey at Stewart-Haas Racing, where it took a whole first season to build that “new notebook” on the car’s limits without wrecking out and winning his first race at Phoenix. But still, Briscoe, jumping teams in 2025, racked up DNFs early before clicking with top-10 runs; Zilisch, with zero oval experience at the Cup level beyond brief superspeedway tastes, could mirror that grind on tracks like Daytona and Atlanta.

Still, Junior sees bright spots, especially on road courses where Zilisch thrives. “Wouldn’t be surprised if Connor battles for a win in a road course. I think that’s not stepping out of bounds,” he noted, crediting Shane van Gisbergen‘s setup tweaks for the Next Gen car after his own year-one learning curve. SVG, who debuted in the Cup in 2023 and now understands what the car needs to be better, will hand Zilisch a dialed-in machine — potentially fast from the jump at tracks like Sonoma, where Zilisch has already won in Xfinity.

Yet Junior tempered optimism: “So, he’s got to build up this sort of data point or buildup… a new notebook internally about what the car’s capable of doing.” This echoes Briscoe’s story, where avoiding toe-link breaks and bad-air mishaps turned a rough start into consistency. For Zilisch, smart survival in an opener like Daytona could set a solid tone, but expect some 20th-place runs turning into unplanned pit stops.

As Dale Jr. unpacks these transitions, his insights extend beyond rookies to the veterans chasing glory in these playoffs.

Dale Jr. sees Denny Hamlin poised for Cup breakthrough

Dale Earnhardt Jr. turned his podcast lens to the playoffs, zeroing in on Denny Hamlin as the driver best equipped for that long-sought championship. At 44, Hamlin has grabbed three Daytona 500s and 59 Cup wins, but the title has slipped away in finals at Phoenix time and again, like his 2020 title run in Phoenix, where he failed to lead a single lap and finished fourth, or 2021’s late-race fade at Martinsville when he was spun out by Alex Bowman.

Junior praised Hamlin’s evolution, stating, “Every year we say, ‘Man, this is his best shot.’ What Denny’s been able to do over the last handful of seasons to be one of the favorites, one of the contenders year after year after year. And literally every single year it seems like he’s even better.”

This build-up culminated in Hamlin’s recent Gateway win, his fifth of 2025, clinching a Round of 12 spot despite Joe Gibbs Racing‘s crew shake-ups. Junior doubled down on Hamlin’s edge, saying, “It really does feel like he’s in the best position he’s ever been in… Right now, I think we can say, maybe for the first time, that he’s the best car in the field at this point.”

Unlike peers fading with age, Hamlin’s work ethic, honed under Joe Gibbs’ guidance, keeps him sharp against youngsters. With the No. 11 Camry humming, Junior views this as Hamlin’s window to finally hoist the trophy before Phoenix.

Fuente: https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-dale-jr-warns-connor-zilisch-with-six-word-honest-verdict-on-his-rookie-cup-run/