Connor Zilisch Sends Message To Kyle Larson After NASCAR Xfinity Texas Win
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Connor Zilisch has reacted to Kyle Larson's NASCAR Xfinity Series victory at Texas Motor Speedway. The Cup Series driver was called in last minute by JR Motorsports to stand in for Zilisch after a wreck in Talladega left him injured.
The 18-year-old was leading the Xfinity Series race at the Talladega Superspeedway when a crash with Richard Childress Racing driver Jesse Love cost him his race.
After the team confirmed mid-week that Zilisch would not take part in Texas due to a back injury, Larson took to the wheel of the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet. After clinching the win, the injured driver shared a message to social media:
"Proud of my team and @KyleLarsonRacin. My turn next."
Proud of my team and @KyleLarsonRacin. My turn next😆 https://t.co/qK9r0kdtra — Connor Zilisch (@ConnorZilisch) May 3, 2025
Larson commented:
"It was a lot of survival, I felt like in that race. I got in some wrecks, the balance we had to work on quite a bit. So, it was fun. I felt like if I could ever get the lead, I could stretch it out, but I couldn't get by Justin (Allgaier). He was running where I needed to be.
Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 WeatherTech Chevrolet, prepares to qualify for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Ag-Pro 300 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 25, 2025 in Talladega, Alabama.
Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 WeatherTech Chevrolet, prepares to qualify for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Ag-Pro 300 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 25, 2025 in Talladega, Alabama."Thanks to JRM for letting me come run this thing here today. Obviously, I wish Connor was in the car, but it means a lot that they thought of me to call up to run this thing."
Zilisch gave an update on his recovery while speaking to FOX Sports reporter Bob Pockrass in Texas. He commented:
"Yeah, I feel okay. You know, a lot of what I'm doing is not up to me, I listen to all the doctors around me and the people around me that have a lot more, not only racing experience, but life experience.
"I've got a lot ahead of me, and to rush back into something after a crash like that would be silly.
"So, yeah, we're just taking our time with the recovery process, taking it one day at a time, and you know, I'm feeling better every day. Thankful for everyone who's been there for me and been willing to give me unbiased answers throughout the process."
NASCAR Xfinity Series at Texas Motor Speedway unofficial results
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