JRM’s Connor Zilisch Named Rookie of the Year

Connor to Cup in 2026

 

At the annual NASCAR Xfinity Series Awards Banquet, JR Motorsports driver Connor Zilisch was honored for achievements during the 2025 season.

 

Zilisch, who led the series in victories with ten (10), was named Rookie of the Year for his performance, which included a run of nine wins in 14 races throughout the summer. His 10th and final win of the year came at the Charlotte Roval in October.

 

Despite winning ten races, Connor suffered a heartbreaking third-place finish in the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship race.

 

“Left my heart on the track. Myself and @jrmotorsports gave 110% all year long and that is something I’ll forever be proud of. Although we aren’t going to walk out of Phoenix tonight as champions, I have already achieved more than 10 year old me ever thought I would. I can’t wait for my future in this sport and thank you to everybody who has supported me this year.❤️” Connor Zilisch

 

No offence, to Jesse Love, the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Champ – Many fans have expressed their lament that despite his dominant performance all season including winning the regular season championship.– Connor was not crowned 2025 Xfinity Champion.

 

At one point he had 6 Xfinity #FastestLap awards in an 8 race span.@ConnorZilisch takes the season-end Xfinity Fastest Lap award in the #XfinitySeries with seven. He has earned a $40,000 donation to @austinhatcherfo. pic.twitter.com/iGbIvcCFhM

— Xfinity Racing (@XfinityRacing) November 4, 2025

In 2026, nineteen year old Connor Zilisch will compete full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for Trackhouse Racing, joining teammates Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen. Randall Burnett will be his crew chief, and Red Bull and WeatherTech are the primary sponsors on his #88 ride. 

source: JR MotorSports Media

Jimmie Johnson Set to Return to Hometown For NASCAR San Diego Weekend

For Johnson, the weekend symbolizes not only a return to competition, but a celebration of his roots.

 

On November 5, 2025 at BrandWeek in Atlanta, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion and Legacy Motor Club owner Jimmie Johnson announced he will return to his California roots next June, as it is his intention to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series event during the inaugural NASCAR San Diego Weekend.

 

The event, slated for June 19–21, 2026, marks NASCAR’s first-ever race at Naval Base Coronado, bringing the sport’s top stars to one of America’s most iconic coastal settings. For Johnson, born and raised in nearby El Cajon, California, the race represents a deeply personal “bucket-list” moment in a career already filled with milestone achievements.

 

 

“Growing up just miles from San Diego, I dreamed about racing here in a NASCAR vehicle someday, but I never thought it would be possible. I just came to the realization that there would be no way NASCAR could race in that city – as there would be nowhere to put a track,” said Johnson. “So, it’s just mind-blowing to me that NASCAR made this a reality. To come back home, compete in front of my community, the military, my family, and friends, and do it with Carvana and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, this is one of those full-circle experiences I will never forget. It’s a lifelong dream.”

 

For Johnson, the weekend symbolizes not only a return to competition, but a celebration of his roots.

 

“When I think about everything this sport has given me and where it all started, being able to race in San Diego at this level feels like my career has come full circle,” Johnson added. “Starting out on two wheels racing motorcycles throughout the west coast and now being able to race on four in the same region is something I never thought I would see. Additionally, my grandparents were military and are buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery nearby the base, so it’s an honor to race there – this is going to be very special.”

 

Carvana, a longtime partner of Johnson’s, will once again be along for the ride in the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE for this special “SoCal” appearance. The partnership continues a multi-year relationship built on creativity, authenticity, and storytelling—values that perfectly align with Johnson’s own legacy.

 

Seven-Time’s back in SoCal. ☀️

We’ll see you in Coronado, @JimmieJohnson! pic.twitter.com/4Y0hsLI6w9

— NASCAR San Diego (@NASCARSanDiego) November 5, 2025

Carvana will unveil the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE paint scheme that will compete in San Diego in the near future.

 

 

source: Legacy Motor Club Media

If I Could Give Vicory Junction Anything . . .

it would be lots of Love and a Rollercoaster

 

When Kyle Petty and his family founded Victory Junction to honor his son Adam’s legacy, they never imagined that, two decades later, more than 135,000 life-changing camp experiences would have impacted children and families from all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and four countries—each camp experience a story of courage, healing, and hope.

 

It’s a day at the track you won’t want to miss! 🏁

Join us Friday, November 21 at @VIRNow for Charity Laps and a 43-minute pit stop with The King 👑 @therichardpetty

Grab your pit stop ticket through the link below!🎟️https://t.co/Gw1o9RnRSv pic.twitter.com/pLdpgepb95

— Victory Junction (@VictoryJunction) November 5, 2025

Victory Junction is more than a camp. It’s a medically safe, fully accessible “home away from home” where children with medical and physical needs can do things they never thought possible like ziplining and riding horses. Where kids can sing around campfires and build friendships that last a lifetime.

 

And, with your support, Camp will remain a place where kids can be kids – where they laugh, play and grow in confidence. Where they experience adventure, find belonging, and grow in confidence.

 

Make a gift today and help fuel the power of possibility for Victory Junction campers. Your generosity ensures Camp remains completely free for children and their families while creating thousands of life-changing experiences filled with courage, joy, and belonging.

 

Click below to hear campers share their heartfelt answers to “If I could give Victory Junction anything this holiday season, it would be…” — and make your gift today!

 

Watch and Donate Wonder

 

On a personal note: NASCAR Race Mom (me) has been supporting Victory Junction for years; both as a monthly contributor and media advocate. I was lucky enough to take a tour of the facility in 2017 - it did not disappoint! 

 

source: Victory Junction PR Media