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Newsweek
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Addresses His Future as a Crew Chief
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. stepped up as the crew chief for JR Motorsports and led Connor Zilisch to a race win at Pocono Raceway. Earnhardt is a co-owner of the racing team, but when Zilisch's crew chief, Mardy Lindley, was banned from participating in the race, the NASCAR Hall of Famer stepped up and took on the responsibility. Lindley proposed the idea to the co-owner after finding out he was suspended due to loose lug nuts. Earnhardt was hesitant at first, but eventually came around to the idea. Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Registix Chevrolet, and JR Motorsports team owner, and fill-in crew chief Dale Earnhardt Jr. celebrate in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series Explore the Pocono Mountains 250... Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Registix Chevrolet, and JR Motorsports team owner, and fill-in crew chief Dale Earnhardt Jr. celebrate in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series Explore the Pocono Mountains 250 at Pocono Raceway on June 21, 2025 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. More Photo byAs a driver, he won several races, and as an analyst, he has seen other drivers do the same, but this time, as a crew chief, he got a different look at what goes on during a race. After the race, Earnhardt said he had fun in the role and enjoyed competing again, albeit in a different position. "I love owning race cars, and I love racking up statistics and championships, but it does not have the competitive sort of skin in the game, if you will, that (today) does," Earnhardt said at the post-race press conference. "If you're in the car, it's on you to make sure you're doing everything right. And when you're the crew chief, you're under a ton of pressure. I understand that I did not come in here and handle all of the layers that Mardy usually handles or any given crew chief manages. "They certainly were putting me in a position to do some light lifting, but as the race went on, we got more comfortable and more aggressive. "It was fun. I felt like I really had some involvement, some input in the energy that the crew and team had. Keeping them pumped up, everybody executing, and keeping Connor aware of what are goals were and what our expectations were on the restarts. He wanted to deliver." Dale Earnhardt Jr. leaves the door open to be an interim crew chief again. But only if the absent crew chief wants him to do it (as Mardy Lindley did today). — Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 22, 2025 Zilisch showed impressive driving chops at the age of 18, keeping his cool and adjusting to hearing a new voice in his ear. Earnhardt wasn't the reason he won the race, but the racing legend did play a part, and he would do it again if the situation arose. "I would not ever walk in the shop and say I'd be up for doing but if we find ourselves unfortunately where somebody gets suspended, if they want me to do it, I would happily do it," Earnhardt added.
22-06-2025
- Automotive
Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins NASCAR national series debut as crew chief at Pocono
LONG POND, Pa. -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. might already be NASCAR's most popular crew chief. He's certainly an undefeated one. Pressed into unexpected service, Earnhardt called the shots for 18-year-old prospect Connor Zilisch in the No. 88 Chevrolet and they landed in victory lane Saturday in the second-tier Xfinity Series race at Pocono Raceway. 'It felt good to have some input and decision-making power,' Earnhardt said. 'And then helping Connor understand what our plan was so he knew when to push and what he was expected to do.' Earnhardt — who won NASCAR's most-popular driver award 15 times — made a pit stop from his day job as team owner at JR Motorsports with normal crew chief Mardy Lindley suspended one race because of a lug nut infraction this month at Nashville. Aside from his duties as team owner, Earnhardt also was at Pocono for his role on the Prime broadcast for the NASCAR Cup Series race Sunday. 'Lot of fun for me today,' Earnhardt said. 'I missed the thrill of competition. I love broadcast, don't get me wrong. But nothing compares to driving or just being part of the team. Being an owner doesn't really deliver like this. This is a lot of fun.' Earnhardt had his wife and two young daughters in tow with him as he made the celebratory walk to victory lane. Oldest daughter Isla Rose clutched the checkered flag while youngest Nicole Lorraine soaked in the scene from her dad's arms. 'I love that they just get to experience things about NASCAR,' Earnhardt said. 'I had such a great time growing up as a kid in this sport, just running around here. I want them to have that opportunity and understand that this is a place where they could create opportunities for themselves down the road.' The win continued a banner season for the NASCAR Hall of Fame driver — who swept two races at Pocono as a driver in 2014 — after JR Motorsports and reigning Xfinity Series champion Justin Allgaier qualified for the season-opening Daytona 500 and secured their Cup Series debut. Earnhardt won two Daytona 500s, in 2004 and 2014, and 26 races overall. His side hustle Saturday was made a bit easier with Zilisch behind the wheel. Zilisch, who turns 19 in July, raced to his second Xfinity victory of the season and third of his young career. He won his Xfinity debut last year at Watkins Glen International. Earnhardt even pitched in during the race and tossed tires over the wall during pit stops. 'Midway through the race man, I was feeling it,' Earnhardt said. Zilisch took the win down to the wire and finally passed Jesse Love with five laps left in the race. Love finished second. 'Dale Junior, not too bad on the box,' Zilisch said. 'Pretty cool to have him up there. Getting him a 1-for-1 win as crew chief is pretty awesome.' Even with the victory, it just might be one-and-done on the pit box for Earnhardt. 'I don't know that I see myself doing it again,' he said.
Chicago Tribune
22-06-2025
- Automotive
- Chicago Tribune
NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins another race — as a first-time crew chief in Xfinity Series
LONG POND, Pa. — Dale Earnhardt Jr. might already be NASCAR's most popular crew chief. He's certainly an undefeated one. Pressed into unexpected service, Earnhardt called the shots for 18-year-old prospect Connor Zilisch in the No. 88 Chevrolet and they landed in victory lane Saturday in the second-tier Xfinity Series race at Pocono Raceway. 'It felt good to have some input and decision-making power,' Earnhardt said. 'And then helping Connor understand what our plan was so he knew when to push and what he was expected to do.' Earnhardt, who won NASCAR's most-popular driver award 15 times, made a pit stop from his day job as team owner at JR Motorsports with normal crew chief Mardy Lindley suspended one race because of a lug-nut infraction this month at Nashville. Aside from his duties as team owner, Earnhardt also was at Pocono for his role on the Prime broadcast for the NASCAR Cup Series race Sunday. 'Lot of fun for me today,' Earnhardt said. 'I missed the thrill of competition. I love broadcast, don't get me wrong. But nothing compares to driving or just being part of the team. Being an owner doesn't really deliver like this. This is a lot of fun.' Earnhardt had his wife and two young daughters in tow as he made the celebratory walk to victory lane. Older daughter Isla Rose clutched the checkered flag while younger Nicole Lorraine soaked in the scene from her dad's arms. 'I love that they just get to experience things about NASCAR,' Earnhardt said. 'I had such a great time growing up as a kid in this sport, just running around here. I want them to have that opportunity and understand that this is a place where they could create opportunities for themselves down the road.' The win continued a banner season for the NASCAR Hall of Famer — who swept two races at Pocono as a driver in 2014 — after JR Motorsports and reigning Xfinity Series champion Justin Allgaier qualified for the season-opening Daytona 500 and secured their Cup Series debut. Earnhardt won two Daytona 500s, in 2004 and 2014, and 26 races overall. His side hustle Saturday was made a bit easier with Zilisch behind the wheel. Zilisch, who turns 19 in July, raced to his second Xfinity victory of the season and third of his young career. He won his Xfinity debut last year at Watkins Glen International. Earnhardt even pitched in during the race and tossed tires over the wall during pit stops. 'Midway through the race, man, I was feeling it,' Earnhardt said. Zilisch took the win down to the wire and finally passed Jesse Love with five laps left. Love finished second. 'Dale Junior, not too bad on the box,' Zilisch said. 'Pretty cool to have him up there. Getting him a 1-for-1 win as crew chief is pretty awesome.' Even with the victory, it just might be one-and-done on the pit box for Earnhardt. 'I don't know that I see myself doing it again,' he said.
Toronto Sun
21-06-2025
- Automotive
- Toronto Sun
Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins NASCAR national series debut as crew chief at Pocono
Published Jun 21, 2025 • 2 minute read Hall of Fame driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. looks on prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Darlington Raceway, Sept. 3, 2023, in Darlington, S.C. Photo by Matt Kelley / AP LONG POND, Pa. — Dale Earnhardt Jr. might already be NASCAR's most popular crew chief. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. 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Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account He's certainly an undefeated one. Pressed into unexpected service, Earnhardt called the shots for 18-year-old prospect Connor Zilisch in the No. 88 Chevrolet and they landed in victory lane Saturday in the second-tier Xfinity Series race at Pocono Raceway. 'It felt good to have some input and decision-making power,' Earnhardt said. 'And then helping Connor understand what our plan was so he knew when to push and what he was expected to do.' Earnhardt — who won NASCAR's most-popular driver award 15 times — made a pit stop from his day job as team owner at JR Motorsports with normal crew chief Mardy Lindley suspended one race because of a lug nut infraction this month at Nashville. Aside from his duties as team owner, Earnhardt also was at Pocono for his role on the Prime broadcast for the NASCAR Cup Series race Sunday. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Lot of fun for me today,' Earnhardt said. 'I missed the thrill of competition. I love broadcast, don't get me wrong. But nothing compares to driving or just being part of the team. Being an owner doesn't really deliver like this. This is a lot of fun.' Earnhardt had his wife and two young daughters in tow with him as he made the celebratory walk to victory lane. Oldest daughter Isla Rose clutched the checkered flag while youngest Nicole Lorraine soaked in the scene from her dad's arms. 'I love that they just get to experience things about NASCAR,' Earnhardt said. 'I had such a great time growing up as a kid in this sport, just running around here. I want them to have that opportunity and understand that this is a place where they could create opportunities for themselves down the road.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The win continued a banner season for the NASCAR Hall of Fame driver — who swept two races at Pocono as a driver in 2014 _ after JR Motorsports and reigning Xfinity Series champion Justin Allgaier qualified for the season-opening Daytona 500 and secured their Cup Series debut. Earnhardt won two Daytona 500s, in 2004 and 2014, and 26 races overall. His side hustle Saturday was made a bit easier with Zilisch behind the wheel. Zilisch, who turns 19 in July, raced to his second Xfinity victory of the season and third of his young career. He won his Xfinity debut last year at Watkins Glen International. Earnhardt even pitched in during the race and tossed tires over the wall during pit stops. 'Midway through the race man, I was feeling it,' Earnhardt said. Zilisch took the win down to the wire and finally passed Jesse Love with five laps left in the race. Love finished second. 'Dale Junior, not too bad on the box,' Zilisch said. 'Pretty cool to have him up there. Getting him a 1-for-1 win as crew chief is pretty awesome.' Even with the victory, it just might be one-and-done on the pit box for Earnhardt. 'I don't know that I see myself doing it again,' he said. Check out our sports section for the latest news and analysis. Care for a wager? Head to our sports betting section for news and odds. Columnists Columnists Toronto & GTA World Toronto & GTA
NBC Sports
21-06-2025
- Automotive
- NBC Sports
Connor Zilisch gives Dale Earnhardt Jr. his first NASCAR win as a crew chief
LONG POND, Pa. — Dale Earnhardt Jr. took the role seriously. He attended meetings. He took notes. He was at a pit practice. When the Xfinity Series garage opened Friday afternoon at at Pocono Raceway, he was there. This was not a publicity stunt or a chance to add another line to his Hall of Fame resume. Earnhardt was committed to filling the role vacated by Mardy Lindley, who was serving a one-race suspension after Connor Zilisch's car had multiple lug nuts not secure earlier this month at Nashville. It was Lindley who suggested that Earnhardt, co-owner of the JR Motorsports car, take the role of crew chief for Saturday's race. Earnhardt accepted, having never served in that role in a NASCAR national series race. MORE: Pocono Xfinity results Zilisch took the lead with five laps to go to score his third career Xfinity win (first on an oval) and give Earnhardt the win as crew chief. 'Certainly more of an adrenaline rush than being an owner,' Earnhardt said after becoming one of the few in NASCAR to have a win as a driver, owner and crew chief. 'I love owning race cars, and I love racking up statistics and championships, but it does not have the competitive sort of skin in the game, if you will, this specific day does. 'When you're the crew chief, you're under a ton of pressure. I understand that I did not come in here and handle all of the layers that Mardy usually handles or any given crew chief manages, They were certainly putting me in a position to do some light lifting. As the race went on, we got more comfortable and more aggressive and it was fun. 'Felt like I really had some involvement and input in the energy that the crew had ... keeping them pumped up and keeping everybody executing, keeping Connor aware of what our goals were, what our expectations were on these restarts. He wanted to deliver on all those expectations. I felt like in that aspect it was a good day.' #NASCAR … Crew chief Dale Jr. welcomes Connor Zilisch to victory lane after the Pocono Xfinity race. The hardest part of the day for Earnhardt? Climbing down the pit box to stand behind the pit wall and roll a tire to the carrier during a pit stop. 'I think the one thing I was most nervous about was actually setting that left front tire. ... There's a tenth (of a second) or two or even half a second between how far you can get it out there to (the tire carrier). You need that stripe up so he knows where the lugs are and to place the tire quickly. All these things are very minute, but they're important that he grabs the tire from you in a certain way, and I didn't want to mess that up.' #NASCAR … Crew chief Dale Jr helping on the tire duties behind the pit wall on Connor Zilisch's first pit stop in the Xfinity race at Pocono Jesse Love finished second and was followed by Christian Eckes, Chase Elliott and Ryan Sieg. Stage 1 winner: Brandon Jones Stage 2 winner: Connor Zilisch Next: The series races at 7:30 p.m. ET Friday, June 27 at Atlanta.
