NASCAR

Connor Zilisch thanks Kyle Larson for replacing him in the No. 88 at Texas Motor Speedway

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Connor Zilisch showed his gratitude to Kyle Larson for stepping in to race for him at Texas Motor Speedway this weekend. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Zilisch thanked Larson, who will be making his third Xfinity Series start this season.

“Thank you to [Kyle Larson] for stepping up for me this weekend and everyone who has supported me through this process,” Zilisch wrote. “I’m doing everything I can to return as soon as possible.”

Earlier, JR Motorsports announced that Zilisch would not be competing at Texas due to an injury he sustained at Talladega. Zilisch was involved in a single-car crash on the final lap and experienced back pain afterward.

“I’m okay,” Zilisch shared. “That was one of those wrecks where you move your legs first to make sure everything feels fine. I’m very thankful to be driving such safe JR Motorsports cars. Our WeatherTech Chevrolet was really fast, just like Xfinity Mobile. We were in a good position, but I haven’t looked closely at the replay yet. Still, I’m just grateful to be up and walking.”

Both Zilisch and Larson have enjoyed success in the Xfinity Series this year.

Zilisch, in his first full-time season, has had an impressive 2025 campaign so far. He earned a win at Circuit of the Americas (COTA), secured three top-10 finishes, and currently holds sixth place in the points standings. The 18-year-old has quickly made a name for himself among Xfinity Series competitors.

Meanwhile, Kyle Larson is preparing for his third Xfinity race this year. He placed fourth at Homestead and claimed victory at Bristol, both times driving the No. 17 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports.

Speaking after his Bristol win, Larson expressed how much the victory meant to him and his team.

“It’s awesome,” Larson said, according to NASCAR.com. “I wish I could’ve won last night too — we just fell a little short. It’s special to get a win for Jon [Edwards] and everyone who’s been a part of his life.

“We’ve got another shot tomorrow in the Cup race. It would be incredible to finish the weekend with another win for Jon and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports. We’ve got a great car for Sunday; we just need to execute like we did today.”

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Kyle Larson’s Chili Bowl Rivalry Could Spill Into NASCAR as Joe Gibbs Eyes a New Leader Over Denny Hamlin

NASCAR has always thrived on rivalries, from Richard Petty vs. David Pearson to Dale Earnhardt vs. Jeff Gordon. These intense battles elevate competition, fuel drama, and captivate fans. In recent years, Kyle Larson has been at the forefront of many thrilling showdowns. As one of NASCAR’s most dominant drivers, he has consistently set the bar high. However, every great competitor needs a worthy adversary.

Heading into the 2025 season, NASCAR veteran Kevin Harvick has identified Christopher Bell as a key challenger to Larson. While Larson’s versatility has made him a formidable force, Harvick believes Bell has the talent to push him to his limits. Unlike past feuds marked by controversy, Harvick sees this rivalry as a pure competition-driven battle.

Larson, the 2021 Cup Series champion, had a strong 2024 season with six wins, 15 top-five finishes, and 18 top-10s. However, struggles at Atlanta and Kansas prevented him from making the Championship 4. Despite the setback, he started 2025 strong with victories in dirt racing events. Harvick, speaking on Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour, predicted that Bell would be a major competitor for Larson, extending beyond NASCAR to dirt tracks as well.

“I think the Larson-Bell rivalry is something we all hope for,” Harvick said. “It’s already played out in events like the Chili Bowl and Tulsa Shootout. Seeing them battle across different racing platforms makes it even more exciting.”

Larson and Bell’s rivalry dates back to their early days in dirt racing, where both established themselves as elite talents. They have frequently clashed in high-profile events, with Bell narrowly edging out Larson in a dramatic Tulsa Shootout finish in the 2025 offseason. However, Larson responded by winning the Chili Bowl Nationals, tying Bell’s record with three victories.

Despite their fierce competition, both drivers respect each other. “We’ve pushed each other to be better,” Larson told FloRacing. Bell echoed the sentiment, acknowledging their intense yet mutually beneficial battles.

While Harvick sees Bell as the future of Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), he raised concerns about Denny Hamlin’s standing within the team. At 44, Hamlin faces mounting pressure, having made the playoffs multiple times but still lacking a championship. After missing the Championship 4 for a third straight season, speculation about his future is growing.

Harvick compared Hamlin’s situation to Kyle Busch’s departure from JGR. NASCAR insider Bob Pockrass noted that Hamlin handles pressure differently but acknowledged his uncertain position, especially after losing major sponsors like FedEx and Mavis Tires.

Unlike Busch, Hamlin co-owns 23XI Racing with Michael Jordan, giving him an alternative path if JGR moves in a different direction. Harvick suggested that if Hamlin struggles in 2025, a departure could be imminent, though his options might soften the impact.

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