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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

NASCAR’s biggest star, Dale Earnhardt Jr., has offered a blunt assessment of Connor Zilisch’s impending transition to the NASCAR Cup Series. Speaking on the Dale Jr. Download podcast, the former champion issued a stark six-word prediction: “first year to sort of be rough.”

Zilisch’s remarkable 2025 season with JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series – nine wins in his last eight races – has propelled him to the brink of becoming the regular-season champion, potentially setting up a strong playoff run. However, the jump to the Cup Series, coupled with the inherent challenges of the Next Gen car and the unforgiving nature of ovals, presents a significant hurdle.

“first year to sort of be rough,” Earnhardt stated, emphasizing the steep learning curve anticipated for the young talent. He noted that Trackhouse Racing’s “hot and cold vibe,” characterized by periods of dominant performance followed by inconsistency, could lead to Zilisch struggling for consistency.

The substantial difference between Xfinity and Cup machinery – particularly the shorter sidewalls of the Cup car and the impact of dirty air – will undoubtedly test Zilisch. Earnhardt compared Zilisch’s journey to that of Chase Briscoe’s initial season at Stewart-Haas Racing, where the rookie spent the year building a “new notebook” understanding the car’s limits.

“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,” Earnhardt explained.

While recognizing potential bright spots, particularly on road courses where Zilisch has already excelled, Earnhardt stressed the need for patience and data collection. “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.”

Furthermore, Earnhardt highlighted the potential for Zilisch to mirror the experiences of Briscoe, who initially faced DNFs and inconsistent runs before finding success at tracks like Phoenix. The veteran driver cautioned against expecting immediate dominance.

Looking beyond Zilisch’s individual challenges, Earnhardt also offered a positive assessment of Denny Hamlin as a championship contender. Hamlin’s consistent performance over recent seasons, culminating in a Round of 12 berth after his Gateway victory, has earned him Earnhardt’s respect. “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.”

Ultimately, Earnhardt believes Hamlin is currently in the best position he’s ever been in to win a Cup championship, particularly before the final race at 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.

La Perspectiva Honesta de Dale Jr. Sobre los Desafíos de Zilisch

En el último episodio del podcast Dale Jr. Download, Dale Earnhardt Jr. no se guardó nada cuando evaluaba el inminente año de novato de Connor Zilisch en la Copa. Conversando con los presentadores sobre la forma imparable de Zilisch en Xfinity, Junior entregó un veredicto de seis palabras. “Primero año para ser un poco brusco.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. señaló que el estilo “calentando y enfriando” de Trackhouse juega un papel, diciendo, “Conducen el 600 como el auto más rápido por lejos. Y luego desaparecen por un tiempo.” Esto, la inconsistencia, vista en su fuerte presentación en el Coca-Cola 600, contrastada con semanas más tranquilas en otro lugar, podría dejar a Zilisch en la media media mientras se ajusta. Basándose en la limitada experiencia de Connor Zilisch en la Copa, 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 después de su dominio en Xfinity, logrando solo tres quintos en dos temporadas completas de la Copa a pesar de 13 victorias en Xfinity.

El núcleo de la precaución de Junior radica en la gran brecha entre los autos de Xfinity y los de la Copa. “Está aprendiendo un auto completamente nuevo, la pared lateral corta, 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 un 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, el auto Next Gen de la Copa exige precisión en medio del aire sucio y los márgenes de error más ajustados; piénsalo cómo podría dar un golpe al muro en la salida de la esquina siguiendo el tráfico, un error común para los novatos, una trampa de pit lane.

Junior lo comparó con el viaje de Chase Briscoe en Stewart-Haas Racing, donde le tomó una temporada entera construir ese“nuevo cuaderno” en el auto en los límites sin accidentes y ganando su primera carrera en Phoenix. Pero aun así, Briscoe, cambiando equipos en 2025, acumuló DNF al principio antes de encajar con carreras en los diez primeros; Zilisch, con cero experiencia en óvalos en la Copa más allá de gustos de velocidad superalta, podría replicar ese “grind” en pistas como Daytona y Atlanta.

Aun así, Junior ve puntos brillantes, especialmente en los circuitos cerrados donde Zilisch prospera.“No sería sorprendente que Connor compitiera por una victoria en un circuito cerrado. Creo que eso no es ir más allá de los límites,” señaló, reconociendo los ajustes de configuración de Shane van Gisbergen para el auto Next Gen después de su propia curva de aprendizaje en un año como novato. SVG, quien debutó en la Copa en 2023 y ahora comprende lo que necesita el auto 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 atenuó el optimismo: “Entonces, él tiene que construir este punto de datos o construcción… un nuevo cuaderno internamente sobre lo que puede hacer el auto.” Esto resuena con 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, una supervivencia inteligente en un abridor como Daytona podría establecer un tono sólido, pero espere algunos carreras en el puesto 20 convirtiéndose en paradas de pit lane inesperadas.

A medida que Dale Jr. desentraña estas transiciones, sus perspectivas se extienden más allá de los novatos hasta los veteranos persiguiendo la gloria en estas eliminatorias.

Dale Jr. Ve a Denny Hamlin Posicionado para el Romper de la Copa

Dale Earnhardt Jr. dirigió su podcast a las eliminatorias, centrándose en Denny Hamlin como el conductor mejor posicionado para ese ansiado campeonato. A los 44 años, Hamlin ha obtenido tres victorias en el Daytona 500 y 59 carreras de la Copa, pero el título ha escapado en finales en Phoenix una y otra vez, como su carrera por el título en 2020 en Phoenix, donde no lideró un solo lap y terminó cuarto, o el retroceso de 2021 en Martinsville cuando fue derribado por Alex Bowman.

Junior elogió la evolución de Hamlin, diciendo,“Cada año decimos, ‘Mira, este es su mejor tiro’. Lo que Hamlin ha podido hacer en las últimas temporadas para estar entre los favoritos, entre los contendientes año tras año tras año. Y literalmente cada año parece que está incluso mejor”.

Esto culminó en la victoria de Hamlin en Gateway, su quinta en 2025, asegurando un lugar en la Ronda de 12 a pesar de los cambios de personal en la escudería Joe Gibbs Racing. Junior reforzó el margen de Hamlin, diciendo, “Realmente se siente como si estuviera en la mejor posición que ha estado en su vida… Ahora, podemos decir, quizás por primera vez, que es el mejor auto del campo en este momento.”

A diferencia de sus pares que se desvanecen con la edad, el ética de trabajo de Hamlin, perfeccionada bajo la guía de Joe Gibbs, lo mantiene agudo contra los jóvenes. Con el Camry No. 11 zumbando, 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/

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s young prodigy, Connor Zilisch’s 2025 campaign in the Xfinity Series has sparked considerable buzz in the NASCAR garage. Driving the No. 88 for JR Motorsports, the talented rookie notched his ninth victory last weekend at Gateway in the Nu Way 200. This brought his total to seven wins in his last eight starts, placing him on the cusp of Kyle Busch’s single-season record of 13 from 2010, with seven races still remaining. His dominance has secured him the regular-season championship, carrying a significant points lead into the playoffs. However, Zilisch’s Xfinity success represents one thing; his jump to the full-time Cup Series in 2026 with Trackhouse Racing, alongside Shane van Gisbergen, presents a whole new challenge.

He has already gained Cup Series experience, participating in three starts, including an 11th-place finish at Atlanta. The full-time shift from Xfinity cars to the Next Gen machine, coupled with the demanding oval tracks, could present significant hurdles. So, how will the NASCAR Cup Series potentially shock Connor Zilisch? Let’s hear from none other than his owner and former 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 assessing 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, stating, “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 frequently 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/

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

NASCAR is buzzing about Connor Zilisch’s rapid ascent through the ranks, particularly after his nine victories in the last eight Xfinity Series starts, including a dominant performance at Gateway last weekend. The young driver, piloting the No. 88 for JR Motorsports, is on the cusp of breaking Kyle Busch’s single-season record of 13 wins from 2010, with seven races remaining in the Xfinity season. However, Zilisch’s imminent jump to the full-time Cup Series in 2026 with Trackhouse Racing presents a significant challenge.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s candid assessment of Zilisch’s rookie Cup Series year offers a realistic perspective. During the latest episode of his “Dale Jr. Download” podcast, Junior delivered a six-word verdict: “first year to sort of be rough.”

Jr. pointed out Trackhouse’s “hot and cold vibe,” noting that the team’s car can be exceptionally fast—as seen in their strong Coca-Cola 600 showing—but then disappear for extended periods. This inconsistency could leave Zilisch struggling for position as he adapts to the Cup Series. Drawing parallels to Noah Gragson’s experience, where dominance in Xfinity failed to translate into consistent Cup success, Junior emphasized the patience required.

The core challenge lies in the considerable gap between Xfinity and Cup machinery. Junior explained that Zilisch is learning a completely new car, including the short sidewalls, the car’s handling characteristics, and the impact of dirty air. Unlike the more forgiving Xfinity cars, the Next Gen Cup car demands precision and can lead to mistakes, potentially resulting in contact with the wall, a common rookie pitfall.

Comparing Zilisch’s journey to that of Chase Briscoe’s initial season at Stewart-Haas Racing, where it took an entire year to build a “new notebook” of the car’s limits without wrecks or major errors, Junior highlights the learning curve. Briscoe, also making a team jump in 2025, initially experienced frequent DNFs before finding consistency. Zilisch, lacking oval experience at the Cup level beyond limited superspeedway outings, could mirror this process, particularly on tracks like Daytona and Atlanta.

Despite these challenges, Junior sees potential, especially on road courses. “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, referencing Shane van Gisbergen’s setup adjustments 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.

However, Junior tempered optimism, asserting that Zilisch “has to build up this sort of data point or buildup… a new notebook internally about what the car’s capable of doing.”

Looking beyond Zilisch’s rookie year, Junior also analyzed the playoff picture. He identified Denny Hamlin as the driver best positioned to contend for the championship. At 44, Hamlin has secured three Daytona 500s and 59 Cup wins, but the elusive championship has slipped away in finals at Phoenix time and again. 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, securing a Round of 12 spot despite Joe Gibbs Racing’s crew shake-ups. Junior doubled down on Hamlin’s edge, stating, “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/

Dale Earnhardt Jr. ha lanzado un veredicto de seis palabras sobre las expectativas para la temporada inaugural de Connor Zilisch en la Serie Cup, advirtiendo que “el primer año será algo desordenado”. El comentario, dado en el podcast “Dale Jr. Download”, surge tras el éxito de Zilisch en la Serie Xfinity, donde consiguió nueve victorias, incluyendo la última en el Nu Way 200 en Gateway. La temporada de 2025 ha mostrado a un joven prodigio en ascenso, y la transición a la Serie Cup representa un desafío considerable.

La clave del aviso de Earnhardt radica en la drástica diferencia entre la Serie Xfinity y la Serie Cup. Zilisch, pilotando el No. 88 para JR Motorsports, está forzando una adaptación a un nuevo coche, específicamente a las paredes laterales más estrechas y a las reacciones de la máquina. Esto es significativamente diferente al coche Xfinity, que ofrece mayor espacio y tolerancia.

Durante su análisis, Earnhardt utilizó la experiencia de Chase Briscoe en Stewart-Haas Racing como un punto de referencia. Briscoe, al cambiar de equipo en 2025, necesitó una temporada completa para “crear su nuevo cuaderno” en el coche, documentando sus límites y el rendimiento. Se espera que Zilisch experimente un proceso similar, caracterizado por los primeros tropiezos y las dificultades antes de encontrar la consistencia.

Earnhardt señaló la “actitud cambiante” de Trackhouse Racing, en la que su coche puede ser increíblemente rápido, como lo demuestran sus impresionantes resultados en el Coca-Cola 600, pero luego desaparecer durante un tiempo. Esta inconsistencia podría dejar a Zilisch en posiciones mediocres y hará que ajuste continuamente su estrategia.

Si bien reconoce la promesa de Zilisch, especialmente en pistas de calle, Earnhardt enfatiza la necesidad de recopilar datos y construir una “nueva base de datos interna” sobre las capacidades del coche. Esto es crucial para evitar errores comunes de los novatos, como las roturas de los tirantes o los problemas relacionados con el aire sucio, que podrían provocar paradas inesperadas en el pit.

Tras la explicación de Earnhardt, se le le dio espacio para analizar las esperanzas de otros pilotos con posibilidades de ganar el campeonato, particularmente a Denny Hamlin. Considerado como uno de los competidores más constantes, Hamlin ha estado en las filas de los favoritos durante varias temporadas. Sin embargo, ha estado perdiendo el campeonato en las últimas etapas en pistas como Phoenix. Este año, sin embargo, Hamlin ganó el Gran Premio de Gateway, asegurando su lugar en la Ronda de 12, a pesar de los cambios de personal en la tripulación de Joe Gibbs Racing. Earnhardt cree que este es el momento ideal para Hamlin, afirmando que “se siente como si estuviera en la mejor posición que ha estado en su carrera”. También señaló que su ética de trabajo, bajo la dirección de Joe Gibbs, lo mantiene a la vanguardia, a pesar de la edad.

A pesar de las advertencias, Earnhardt también vio aspectos positivos en la capacidad de Zilisch para destacar en las pistas de calle, previendo que podría competir por la victoria en carreras de este tipo. Su desempeño con Shane van Gisbergen, que también estaba experimentando con el coche de nueva generación, también le brindó optimismo. Sin embargo, enfatizó la importancia de que Zilisch “construya un punto de datos” o “una nueva base de datos interna” sobre las capacidades del coche. Esto refleja la experiencia de Briscoe, quien al principio tuvo dificultades antes de encontrar la consistencia, y es crucial para el éxito de Zilisch en la Serie Cup.

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/

Green Bay, Wisconsin – 10 de Septiembre de 2025 – El receptor estrella de los Carolina Panthers, Christian Watson, ha firmado un lucrativo contrato de un millón de dólares con los Green Bay Packers, generando especulación y emoción dentro de la NFL. La noticia, confirmada por fuentes cercanas al equipo, llega en un momento crucial para Watson, quien actualmente se encuentra en proceso de rehabilitación de una lesión de rodilla sufrida en el último partido de la temporada.

Un Rescate Financiero en el Momento Adecuado

La lesión de Watson, que le impidió completar la temporada 2025, había generado preocupación sobre su futuro en Carolina. La falta de oportunidades y el cuestionable rendimiento en el equipo habían minado su potencial y planteado dudas sobre su valor a largo plazo. Sin embargo, la apuesta de los Packers, que parece estar impulsada por el alto potencial de Watson cuando está sano, representa una oportunidad para que el receptor reviviese su carrera.

La Oferta: Un Reconocimiento a su Talento

Los términos específicos del contrato no han sido revelados oficialmente, pero las fuentes confirman que la cifra de un millón de dólares es un bono significativo, otorgado como un reconocimiento a su talento explosivo, velocidad y capacidad para ser un receptor de primer nivel. La decisión de los Packers, que han demostrado una clara confianza en su capacidad de recuperación, se considera un rescate financiero y una inyección de confianza para Watson.

Enfrentando la Recuperación y las Expectativas

La recuperación de Watson de su lesión de rodilla es ahora la prioridad principal. Se espera que comience un programa de rehabilitación intensivo, con el objetivo de regresar a la cancha lo antes posible. El equipo de los Packers ha asegurado que la recuperación será gestionada con cuidado, priorizando la salud de Watson y evitando cualquier riesgo de re-lesión.

“Estamos emocionados de tener a Christian en el equipo”, declaró un portavoz de los Packers. “Creemos en su potencial y estamos comprometidos a apoyarlo en su proceso de recuperación. Nos estamos enfocando en ayudarle a volver a la cancha de la manera más segura posible.”

Impacto en la NFL y la Posición de Watson

La firma de Watson con los Packers podría tener un impacto significativo en la dinámica de la NFL, especialmente en la posición de receptor. Con su velocidad y su habilidad para realizar carreras explosivas, Watson tiene el potencial de convertirse en una amenaza importante para las defensas rivales.

Además, esta nueva oportunidad podría elevar la valoración de Watson en el mercado de la NFL, convirtiéndolo en un activo valioso para cualquier equipo que busque reforzar su ataque.

En resumen, la decisión de los Packers de ofrecer a Christian Watson un contrato de un millón de dólares mientras se recupera es una muestra de confianza en su talento y una señal de que podría estar a punto de revitalizar su carrera en la NFL.

Fuente: https://en.albat.com/breaking/NFL-Christian-Watson-Scores-Big-with-a-Million-Dollar-Deal-from-the-Packers-While-on-the-Mend-20250910-0003.html

Turín, Italia – 10 de Septiembre de 2025 – Juventus ha desvelado oficialmente su tercera camiseta para la temporada 2025-26, inspirada en los prestigiosos viñedos de Piamonte. La presentación, realizada en colaboración con Adidas, destaca la importancia cultural de la región.

La nueva camiseta, con una coloración que combina negro, burdeos y verde oscuro, presenta un sutil gráfico inspirado en uvas que recorre el tejido. “El resultado es una camiseta que captura tanto elegancia como modernidad – una declaración en el campo que también sirve como pieza de moda para los aficionados en las calles y en las gradas esta temporada,” comunicó Juventus.

La presentación incluyó un tweet oficial: “Aged to perfection🍇

Introducing the 25/26 Juventus Third Jersey@adidasfootballpic.twitter.com/EGvytsxido— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸(@juventusfcen)September 10, 2025”

La camiseta incorpora los icónicos Adidas Stripes en su versión heat-transfer, un emblema de Juventus estampado con tecnología aplicada, y un cuello con corte flatknit.

La versión para jugadores incorpora la última tecnología Adidas para optimizar el rendimiento y la comodidad, mientras que la versión para aficionados utiliza materiales transpirables y absorbentes para mantener la frescura.

La camiseta está disponible a partir de hoy en la Juventus Online Store y en tiendas físicas en Turín (Stadium Megastore, Via Garibaldi, Grugliasco – Le Gru), Milán y Roma. Juventus, que ha comenzado la temporada con buenos resultados, se prepara para su próximo partido en casa contra Inter el sábado.

Fuente: https://onefootball.com/en/news/official-juventus-unveil-2025-26-third-kit-video-41641171