Dale Earnhardt Jr. Wins Xfinity Debut as Crew Chief at Pocono

Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer and co-owner of JR Motorsports, won his first race as a crew chief by guiding rookie Connor Zilisch to victory at the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Pocono Raceway. Earnhardt stepped in for the suspended regular crew chief, Mardy Lindley, and utilized strategic pit calls and race management, aided by former crew chief Steve Letarte, to put Zilisch in position to take the lead in the closing laps and secure his third career Xfinity win. Earnhardt embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, even assisting the pit crew during stops, and expressed how much he missed the thrill of direct competition compared to his broadcasting and ownership roles. Zilisch, 18 years old, showcased his talent by overcoming competition and capitalizing on restarts, while notable drivers like Jesse Love, Chase Elliott, and Justin Allgaier contended throughout the race. The victory was celebrated as a special moment for Earnhardt, who was joined by his family in victory lane, and it marked a highlight in a strong season for both driver and team. This unexpected debut as a crew chief added a new chapter to Earnhardt’s storied racing career and underscored his multifaceted contributions to NASCAR.