NASCAR makes decision on Connor Zilisch playoff – Sports News
NASCAR has made a closing decision on Connor Zilisch’s playoff eligibility after he was ruled out for this weekend’s Texas NASCAR Xfinity Series race whereas persevering with to get better from decrease back accidents.
On Thursday, JR Motorsports introduced that Zilisch – who made his Cup Series debut earlier this yr and ranks as one of the highest prospects in NASCAR – was issued a playoff waiver. Though drivers should compete full-time so as to be eligible for the postseason, the sanctioning physique made an exception for the 18-year-old since he’s solely lacking the upcoming occasion resulting from an harm/medical purpose.
“Connor Zilisch has been granted a playoff waiver by NASCAR and remains qualified for the 2025 NXS Playoffs,” an official statement from JR Motorsports read.
While leading the final lap of last weekend’s NASCAR Xfinity race at Talladega, Zilisch was struck hard from behind by Jesse Love – sending the No. 88 Chevrolet driver crashing hard into the inside wall head-on. He was able to exit the car under his own power and head to the infield care center, where X-rays came back negative.
Though Zilisch initially expressed confidence that he’d be able to suit up for Andy’s Frozen Custard 300 at Texas Motor Speedway, JR Motorsports decided to be cautious and give Cup Series driver Kyle Larson the start.
Taking to social media, Zilisch thanked Larson for taking his spot behind the wheel. “Thank you to @KyleLarsonRacin for stepping up for me this weekend and everybody who has helped me via this course of. Doing the whole lot I can to be back as quickly as potential,” he wrote.
While Dale Earnhardt Jr. admitted he was disappointed to see Zilisch be sidelined for Texas, he applauded his team’s driver for making the right decision. “It sucks to see Connor have to sit down out however I’m grateful he’s being sensible and affected person with this harm,” he wrote.
“He’ll be back in the seat and back at the front of the field soon enough.”
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Speaking to reporters on the heels of the harrowing crash, Zilisch expressed gratitude that he was capable of stroll away with none severe accidents. “I’m all good. Thankfully, that was one of the wrecks where you just kind of tingle your toes and move your legs and make sure you’re still good. It hurt and I’ll be sore, but I’m very grateful to walk away,” he mentioned.
“A big hit like that, everything compresses and you feel it. So yeah, I’m all good. X-rays were clear. So yeah, thankful.”
One day later, he added on X: “Sore today but more than anything just upset that I couldn’t close that one out for my team. If we keep putting ourselves in position to win races, it will come. Thank you to everyone who reached out to make sure I was okay.”
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