Mother Nature had plenty of parts to play in Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Dover Motor Speedway. Luckily enough, the drivers were able to qualify, and it saw three young, talented drivers make their season debuts. Two of which were making their Xfinity Debuts. While they were making their debuts, another young phenom was out to prove he could win anywhere. That’s exactly what happened at the Monster Mile on Saturday for Connor Zilisch.
Connor Zilisch Claims Rain Shortened Xfinity Series Win at Dover, 4th Win Of His Rookie Campaign
The opening segment of the race certainly looked like it was going to be a Joe Gibbs Racing-type day as rookie Taylor Gray put his No. 54 on the pole. He did so despite falling during pre-race inspection twice. Gray wasn’t the only strong JGR car as Aric Almirola was once again behind the Wheel of the No. 19 car for the team. He showed plenty of speed, but both couldn’t hold off Connor Zilisch at the end of the day. Stage one of the race went green without any issues, and it certainly seemed like that was going to be the theme of the day.
JGR vs. JRM vs. Rain
It’s great when you can tell which teams are going to be the top dogs on any given race day. That’s exactly how Saturday’s BetRivers 200 went. Despite the unfortunate rain that ultimately came and derailed the race with 66 laps left. It was quite a battle at the front between Connor, Taylor, and Aric, as each was around the front of the field throughout the race.
Gray was able to hold off Almirola and teammate Brandon Jones to win stage one. The second stage was when Connor Zilisch started to show that he’s more than just a road-course star. Zilisch was determined to continue his red-hot streak. Stage two, much like the opening stage, went green without much issue, and Zilisch’s No. 88 scored the stage win.
It sure seemed like it was going to come down to JGR vs. JRM for the victory. Despite getting back to green following the second stage ending, Mother Nature finally struck at lap 133. With Zilisch in the race lead, things didn’t end up working out for JGR, as Gray found himself trapped back in 6th, and Almirola was in second, but ultimately didn’t get a chance to continue trying to run Connor down.
With no lights at Dover and a hard cutoff of around 8:10 because of daylight, NASCAR ultimately had to make the tough call. They ended up calling the race. In doing so, Connor Zilisch scored his fourth win of the season. Once again on an oval, this time taming the Monster Mile. Sure, it would have been better to see the whole race play out, sure. But when it rains, there isn’t much that can be done.
Connor conquered the concrete. pic.twitter.com/hgGurl1rC3
— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) July 19, 2025
Good Clean Day for New Faces in Series
It was a clean day for the three drivers who were making their season debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Truck Series regular Rajah Caruth kept his nose clean in the No. 32 Jordan Anderson Racing and was rewarded with a 22nd-place finish in a car that hasn’t always had the best of luck this season. Elsewhere, a pair of ARCA drivers were making their maiden voyage in the Xfinity Series on Saturday. It was a good showing for both Lavar Scott and Jake Finch. Finch got a great opportunity as he was behind the wheel of the No. 17 Chevy for Hendrick Motorsports. As for Scott, he got his first chance driving the No. 45 for Tommy Joe Martins’ race team, as a teammate to full-time driver Brennan Poole. Like Caruth, they both kept their noses clean, and that’s always good to see for first-time drivers in the series.
Finch brought the 17 home in 17th, while Scott got everything out of his No. 45, finishing in 28th. It was quite a good weekend for the young drivers of the sport at one of the toughest tracks in NASCAR.
Can’t even believe it!!! Just want to think everyone involved @RevRacin @TeamAlphaPrime. @NASCAR_Xfinity debut!!! pic.twitter.com/SUDpp3pzoI
— Lavar Scott (@LavarScott) July 20, 2025
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Main Photo: Sean Gardner, Getty Images
Recording Date: 7/19/2025
