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JR Motorsports reveals Connor Zilisch granted NASCAR Xfinity Series playoff waiver

JHby: Jonathan Howard05/01/25Jondean25
Connor Zilisch Daytona
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

This weekend, Connor Zilisch is sitting out of the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Texas for a lower back injury from Talladega. Zilisch complained about back pain immediately after hitting the inside wall on the backstretch last week.

While Connor Zilisch is sitting out, JR Motorsports had to apply for a playoff waiver. Remember, NASCAR has changed the process for that, and which excuses are worthy of a waiver and which are not.

Given that Zilisch is injured, NASCAR has approved the playoff waiver. Zilisch’s win at COTA still has him locked into the playoffs as Kyle Larson replaces him for the weekend.

“Connor has been granted a playoff waiver by NASCAR and remains qualified for the 2025 NXS Playoffs,” JR Motorsports said in a statement. Good news for Zilisch and his team.

While we have not seen the finishes come together, Connor Zilisch has been everything he was billed to be. The way he has adjusted his race craft to ovals is impressive. He has gotten himself into trouble in places it isn’t necessary, but it has been an impressive rookie campaign.

Zilisch has that win from COTA, of course. But he also has three pole awards, leading the Xfinity Series in that category. Picking up the pole at COTA, Martinsville, and Rockingham, Zilisch has shown a knack for learning quickly.

Connor Zilisch having great rookie season

When this rookie understands how to get a fast car to the end of these races, he’s going to be a threat to win. Even if that doesn’t happen in the next few weeks, Connor Zilisch can look forward to the Mexico City race coming up in just four races.

Despite three DNFs and a few disappointing finishes, Zilisch is doing well. He is sixth in points and second overall in the hotly contested Rookie of the Year battle. His biggest competition for that award is going to be his teammate, Carson Kvapil.

If you are going to miss a race, then having Kyle Larson replace you definitely doesn’t hurt. JR Motorsports clearly thinks that the 88 team can win the owners championship and doesn’t want to lose any points on that side of things. Zilisch will drop in the driver points after this weekend, but it won’t be devastating.

Looking at how close the Xfinity Series is in points, Connor Zilisch could fall as far as 12th or 13th. It shouldn’t be that big of a deal since he has that win to his name, but it is worth keeping an eye on.