Dale Earnhardt Jr. Secures Massive Win on His Xfinity Series Crew Chief Debut

NASCAR veteran Dale Earnhardt Jr. took a surprise victory as Crew Chief of Connor Zilisch in the Xfinity Series race at Pocono.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Secures Massive Win on His Xfinity Series Crew Chief Debut

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Conor Zilisch (Via @ConnorZilisch/X)

NASCAR veteran Dale Earnhardt Jr. was on surprise duty on Saturday at Pocono Raceway. The 50-year-old subbed in as Crew Chief for Connor Zilisch in the Xfinity Series. Dale Jr. had a positive time leading the No. 88 car as Zilisch made his way to Victory Lane.

Earnhardt Jr. took up the role of Crew Chief of the No. 88 car after Mardy Lindley was suspended by NASCAR. The 50-year-old is the co-owner of JR Motorsports, and he showed his commitment to the team this weekend. So much so, that Dale Jr. was even seen catching tires of Connor Zilisch‘s car during pitstops.

Post-race, Dale Earnhardt Jr. claimed that he had fun in his new role. The JR Motorsports co-owner knew that it was important to step-up this weekend as the team faced Lindley’s suspension. Dale Jr. praised Connor Zilisch and the entire garage for having an impressive race and taking the win.

While he even invited his friend Steve Letarte into the pit box, to work together to secure this result. Additionally, the 50-year-old claimed that Zilisch was a future star of NASCAR, who was going to make it big in the long run.

Yeah, it sure was [fun], When we have an issue like this with somebody being suspended, and uh, Mardy and everybody, they know what to do. Just a great job, putting us in a position to succeed. And we had a lot of things go our way… Had a little help from Letarte up here. I wasn’t not gonna have Steve Letarte not get on this pit box after the races we won together in 2014. So, he was a big help… And what a great race car driver. Connor Zilisch is going to be a big deal in this sport for a long time. So, a lot of fun for me today!

Dale Earnhardt Jr. told CW Sports.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. rejoices return to pit road

The NASCAR veteran acclaimed immense success in his long and illustrious career, winning the Busch Series (now Xfinity Series) twice back in the day. Dale Earnhardt Jr. last raced way back in 2017. Since then, the 50-year-old has delved into the world of broadcasting. While he continues as the co-owner of JR Motorsports, which has dominated the Xfinity Series.

1. Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2000)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Via IMAGO)

However, the Saturday race at Pocono was a completely different experience for Dale Jr. He claimed that being the Crew Chief reminded him of his racing days, giving him a taste of the competition once again. Though, Dale Earnhardt Jr. enjoys his time as a broadcaster and team co-owner, he admitted that nothing can truly match the excitement of being on pit road or racing the car.

I missed the thrill of competition, you know. I love broadcasting, don’t get me wrong, but nothing compares to driving or just being kind of part of the team, and being an owner doesn’t really deliver like this. This is a lot of fun, thank you.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. added.

Certainly, fans loved to see Dale Earnhardt Jr. take up the role of Crew Chief. The 50-year-old perhaps exceeded expectations as Connor Zilisch emerged as the race winner. Though, the 18-year-old deserves credit for his impressive drive, as he battled it out in the field throughout the race. JR Motorsports might already be considering Earnhardt Jr. as a full-time Crew Chief if the NASCAR veteran desires to continue this role in the future.

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