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Watch: Denny Hamlin Boldly Predicts Connor Zilisch Won’t Be the 2025 Xfinity Champion

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Aditya Pandya | Last updated Sep 10, 2025 1:49 AM ET

Connor Zilisch has emerged as one of the better drivers in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this year. The rookie has won nine races so far and is looking promising for many more. Zilisch has cruised into the playoffs and is looking like one of the favorites to win the title in his maiden year.

Although the 18-year-old has been one of the best drivers this year, JGR Veteran Denny Hamlin makes a surprising claim on the former’s championship chances. Connor Zilisch has already clinched the Xfinity Regular Series Championship after leading the pack in his rookie season.

Zilisch even won the Gateway race and further proved his racing prowess to the grid. The Xfinity Series rookie already has a Cup Series seat lined up for him at Trackhouse Racing in the 2026 season. The 18-year-old is likely to move through the playoff round, especially with his massive points cushion heading into the playoffs.

Although Zilisch is one of the best drivers this year, he will face stiff competition from the rivals, especially Justin Allgaier, as he moves up the playoff rounds. Even though the #88 driver might have a great shot at the championship, Denny Hamlin believes that he might not win the championship if it comes down to the final race.

Denny Hamlin did not mince his words while claiming that Connor Zilisch was going to lose the championship this year. Hamlin noted that if Zilisch made it to the Championship-4, he might be the favorite to win the title.

Still, when it comes down to the Phoenix race, the #88 driver would lose against Justin Allgaier, who has been very strong there. The 44-year-old further made a wild prediction that the JRM star could win ten races this year but still lose out on the championship.

Yes (he will lose the championship). If he makes it to Phoenix, he’ll be the favorite, but against Justin (Allgaier) who’s elite there… I’mma make a wild prediction. I think the #88 wins 10 races and does not win the championship.
Denny Hamlin said on the Actions Detrimental Podcast.

Connor Zilisch is on fire—can Denny see him winning it all? pic.twitter.com/P7V9byWwSR
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) September 8, 2025

Denny Hamlin snubs Connor Zilisch from being the ‘slam dunk favorite’ at Phoenix

The NASCAR Xfinity playoffs still have seven races left in the schedule, with Phoenix Raceway being the final championship-deciding race. Connor Zilisch has had mediocre outings at Phoenix in the past, while Justin Allgaier’s best finish on the track is in second position. As such, Denny Hamlin casts his doubts on labeling the 18-year-old as the clear favorite to win at the final race of the 2025 season playoffs.

Denny Hamlin reckoned that Connor Zilisch not winning the championship wouldn’t be that wild, especially with the current championship format. Still, he believes that it would be tough for Zilisch to emerge victorious in the 2025 championship.

Hamlin asserted that the driver and the team put forth significant improvement since the last Phoenix race. Regardless, the 44-year-old refuses to title the rookie as the ‘slam dunk favorite’ to win at the championship-deciding race.

I don’t know if it’s that wild with this format, I don’t know I think it’s gonna be tough. It’s one race.. No matter where he finished (at Phoenix), the team and him, they’ve turned a corner since then. I don’t know that I’m just gonna consider him a slam dunk favorite when we go to Phoenix. I think so (Justin Allgaier is better than Zilisch at Phoenix)
Denny Hamlin noted

Anything can happen at the season finale at Phoenix as multiple drivers will set their eyes on the prize. Connor Zilisch winning the championship would certainly be one of the greatest things in the history of the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

Zilisch will be one of the very few drivers who have won a championship in their rookie season, as it would be his dream for sure. Now, time will tell how the final seven races pan out for the 18-year-old.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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