Dale Earnhardt Jr. saw his 19-year-old driver celebrate his birthday week by giving JR Motorsports its 100th win as he crossed the bricks first in an eventful NASCAR Xfinity race at IMS.

As contrary as it might seem, there was ambivalence in Connor Zilisch’s victory in Saturday’s Pennzoil 250 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Yes, Zilisch won his third straight NASCAR Xfinity Series race and added to his inarguable credentials as a budding superstar.

INDIANAPOLIS — Connor Zilisch survived rain delays and a late-race restart to score his sixth career NASCAR Xfinity Series victory in the Pennzoil 250 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Saturday. The win also gave his car owner, Dale Earnhardt Jr., the 100th Xfinity Series victory for his JR Motorsports team.

NASCAR penalized Austin Hill for reckless driving after contact with Aric Almirola in the final laps of the Pennzoil 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race on July 26 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Connor Zilisch gave himself a late birthday present and a special gift to NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. by winning the Pennzoil 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race Saturday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Drivers take the green flag Saturday, July 26, 2025, during the Pennzoil 250 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Nick Sanchez (48) signs autographs Saturday, July 26, 2025, prior to the Pennzoil 250 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.