Dale Earnhardt Jr. takes on new role as Xfinity crew chief for Connor Zilisch
Legendary NASCAR figure Dale Earnhardt Jr. is making waves once again, this time stepping in as crew chief for Connor Zilisch in the upcoming Xfinity Series race. The move comes after NASCAR suspended the original crew chief, Mardy Lindley, due to loose lug nuts found in Zilisch’s car during a recent race.
Earnhardt Jr., known for his impressive racing career with 26 Cup Series wins and 24 Xfinity Series wins, will be leading Zilisch’s #88 Chevrolet Camaro at the Pocono Raceway event. This unexpected twist has sent shockwaves through the racing community, with fans eagerly anticipating Earnhardt Jr.’s return to a leadership role.
Aedan McHugh, Xfinity Series crew chief, shared an intriguing anecdote about Earnhardt Jr.’s desire to work as a crew chief, revealing that the opportunity finally materialized in 2025. This revelation adds another layer of excitement to Earnhardt Jr.’s latest venture in the world of NASCAR.
As Zilisch gears up to hit the track with Earnhardt Jr. calling the shots, the pressure is on for the young driver. Currently sitting in fifth place in the Xfinity Series Drivers’ championship, Zilisch has shown promise with one win and multiple Top 5 finishes. With Earnhardt Jr. by his side, Zilisch is hoping for a strong performance at Pocono Raceway.
The unexpected turn of events has fans buzzing with anticipation, eager to see how Earnhardt Jr. will fare in his new role as crew chief. With his wealth of experience and racing knowledge, there’s no telling what surprises Earnhardt Jr. has in store for the upcoming race.
