Connor Zilisch, a 19-year-old racing talent, wrapped up the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series with one of the most impressive rookie seasons ever. With 10 wins, 18 straight top-5 finishes, and a record-breaking points performance, Zilisch dominated the series all year long. Yet, despite his dominance, he didn’t take home the championship trophy.
The title instead went to Jesse Love, who passed Zilisch with 24 laps left in the season finale at Phoenix Raceway on November 1. The outcome, decided by NASCAR’s single-race playoff format, sparked heavy criticism from experts and fans who argue that the system unfairly overlooks a driver’s full-season performance.
### Connor Zilisch’s Dominant Rookie Season
Driving the No. 88 for JR Motorsports, Zilisch was nearly unstoppable throughout the 2025 campaign. He earned Rookie of the Year honors and posted statistics rarely seen in the Xfinity Series, showcasing his incredible talent and consistency.
However, NASCAR’s playoff rules reset points before the final race, meaning the championship was decided solely by the performance in that one event. Jesse Love’s victory at Phoenix Raceway sealed the title, while Zilisch finished third, leaving him without the crown despite his standout season.
### Experts and Fans React to the Format
Many voices from the NASCAR community spoke out after the race, expressing frustration with the current playoff format. Analyst Justin Champagne said,
“Connor Zilisch not being the champion is an embarrassment for the sport. Anyone who condones this format isn’t a true NASCAR fan.”
YouTuber David Land added,
“I hate this for Connor. It really sucks that he has to be the example of this broken system being broken after a season like he’s had.”
Popular NASCAR creator Eric Estepp posted,
“Alright, that should officially mark the END of the 1-race finale. It just DOES NOT WORK, especially when a driver has a dominant year. Connor Zilisch put together a tremendous, 10-win season. But neither he nor the No. 88 will be remembered as champions.”
Motorsport journalist Austin Konenski echoed these sentiments:
“Connor Zilisch not winning the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship is a nail in the coffin for this horrible format. 10 wins and 18 straight top-5 finishes for absolutely NOTHING.”
### The Fan Debate
Fans also joined the debate online, sharing diverse opinions. Patrick Hanlon commented,
“At the very least, Heim broke through last night. Had he not, I don’t think the stench of the illegitimacy of this format ever washes off, even if they went to full season points for 50 years.”
On the other hand, Cameron Friss defended the system:
“Who cares? Does the team with the best record in the regular season win the Stanley Cup? The final four deserve to be there based on the format, which is the most exciting it’s ever been.”
Cheech added,
“Never thought of these as a Season’s Champion but a Championship Race Winner. I look forward to not having to think like this to enjoy a sport I grew up loving.”
Summarizing the frustration, Kurt Haight said,
“Just picture 2025 Zilisch as 2021 Larson without the Title. This format is a complete joke, and 3-3-4 will be unacceptable. It’s Full Season, 10 Race Chase or bust at this point.”
### Zilisch’s Response
Connor Zilisch didn’t hide his disappointment after the race.
“I came into the weekend and told my entire team if we give 100 percent, and we can walk out of this place knowing we did that, I’d be proud of this,” he said.
“We fought all day long and threw everything we had at it. Unfortunately, we just didn’t quite have what we needed. But, it doesn’t take away from anything we did this season.”
### Conclusion
Connor Zilisch’s 2025 season remains a story of dominance without reward. A young driver who did nearly everything right throughout the year, Zilisch fell short in the one race that mattered most—highlighting the ongoing debate around NASCAR’s playoff system and how championships should be decided.
https://heavy.com/sports/nascar/experts-blast-playoff-format-connor-zilisch-loses-title/