That’s Crew Chief … Dale Earnhardt Jr. Takes the Helm for Connor Zilisch at Pocono Xfinity Series Race
By [Your Name] – June 22, 2025
In an unexpected and thrilling turn of events for NASCAR fans, one of the sport’s most iconic figures is stepping back into the spotlight—not behind the wheel, but atop the pit box. Dale Earnhardt Jr., two-time Daytona 500 champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer, will serve as the interim crew chief for rising star Connor Zilisch during Sunday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Pocono Raceway.
Yes, you read that right: Dale Earnhardt Jr. is now a crew chief.
The move has taken the motorsports world by storm, drawing widespread attention not only for its novelty but for what it symbolizes—Earnhardt’s continued dedication to the future of racing and his deep investment in the young talent coming up through the ranks.
Why Dale Earnhardt Jr.? Why Now?
The decision was reportedly made earlier this week when Connor Zilisch’s regular crew chief, Scott Maxwell, was sidelined due to an unexpected medical issue. With time running short and the No. 88 JR Motorsports team needing leadership, Earnhardt Jr. stepped up to the plate.
“I wasn’t planning on this, that’s for sure,” Earnhardt Jr. said during a press conference on Friday. “But when Scott called and told me he wouldn’t be able to make it, I knew I had to be there for the team. I’ve watched Connor grow over the last couple of years, and I believe in him. If I can help him get around the Tricky Triangle a little better and keep him focused, then I’m all in.”
Earnhardt has long supported up-and-coming drivers, and his JR Motorsports team has become a proven incubator for NASCAR talent. From Chase Elliott and William Byron to Noah Gragson and now Zilisch, the list of alumni who’ve ascended to the Cup Series is impressive. Taking on the crew chief role, even temporarily, is just another example of Dale Jr.’s hands-on approach to mentoring.
Connor Zilisch: The Rising Star in the Spotlight
At just 18 years old, Connor Zilisch has already made waves across multiple racing disciplines. With a karting background and early success in road course racing, Zilisch was signed to JR Motorsports’ developmental program with high expectations. Since joining the Xfinity Series part-time in 2024, he has earned multiple top-10 finishes and shown flashes of brilliance.
Zilisch commented on the unexpected twist with excitement and humility.
“Having Dale Jr. as my crew chief? It’s insane. I grew up watching him race. He’s one of my heroes. Now he’s on the radio with me calling the shots at Pocono? That’s something I’ll never forget,” Zilisch said, grinning. “More than anything, it’s just a huge confidence boost. He believes in me, and that makes me push even harder.”
Zilisch will be piloting the No. 88 Chevrolet, one of JR Motorsports’ most iconic entries, which Earnhardt himself raced during his Xfinity Series days.
Pocono Raceway: The Ultimate Test for a New Duo
Known as the “Tricky Triangle,” Pocono Raceway presents unique challenges for drivers and crew chiefs alike. With three turns—each modeled after different tracks—and a triangular layout unlike any other in NASCAR, strategy, setup, and communication are critical.
“It’s one of those tracks where experience can make a huge difference,” Earnhardt explained. “I’ve raced here a ton, and I’ve made plenty of mistakes too. I’m hoping I can pass on some of that knowledge to Connor so he doesn’t have to learn it the hard way.”
Fans are eager to see how Earnhardt’s experience meshes with Zilisch’s youthful aggression. Pit strategy, tire management, and timing restarts will be critical in a race that often sees long green-flag runs punctuated by chaotic late-race yellows.
Inside the Garage: What the Team is Saying
JR Motorsports personnel have embraced the switch enthusiastically. Team engineers and pit crew members have worked closely with Earnhardt all week to prepare for Sunday’s race.
Team engineer Jake Carson shared insights on how things have been going behind the scenes. “Dale’s not just here for the photo ops—he’s fully involved. He’s been in the garage, on the computers, asking questions, reviewing data. The guy knows his stuff. It’s been inspiring.”
Veteran spotter T.J. Majors, who previously worked with Earnhardt during his driving days, will also be back on the radio with him—rekindling a communication duo that had fans reminiscing about the 2000s.
“It’s like the band getting back together,” Majors said. “Only this time, it’s Dale talking to the driver, not the other way around. It’s surreal.”
Fan Reaction: A Mix of Nostalgia and Excitement
Across social media, fans erupted with joy and disbelief when news broke Friday morning. The hashtag #CrewChiefDale quickly began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with NASCAR enthusiasts sharing memes, throwback photos, and videos of Earnhardt’s racing highlights.
One fan tweeted:
“I watched Dale Jr. win at Daytona. Now I’m watching him crew chief a kid who grew up playing iRacing? NASCAR is wild. #CrewChiefDale”
Another shared a photo of a custom-made shirt with the words:
“Dale Call—Now on the Pit Box!”
What This Means for the Future
While Dale Earnhardt Jr. has repeatedly said he’s enjoying retirement and has no plans to return to full-time racing—or full-time crew chief duties—this weekend’s endeavor is raising questions. Could fans see more of Dale Jr. in this role moving forward?
“I don’t know,” he said with a chuckle. “Let’s see how Sunday goes first. If I screw this up, Connor might not want me back.”
Still, some insiders believe Earnhardt could make occasional returns in this capacity, especially if it helps elevate young talent and keeps him closer to the day-to-day racing environment he clearly still loves.
NASCAR analyst and former Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon weighed in during a FOX Sports segment.
“Dale’s always been one of the smartest racers in the garage. Him being a crew chief? That’s dangerous in the best way possible. I think he’s going to surprise a lot of people with how good he is on top of the box.”
Race Day Expectations
With qualifying scheduled for Saturday, Zilisch and Earnhardt will have one final opportunity to fine-tune their approach before Sunday’s green flag. The No. 88 team is optimistic about their chances, especially given Earnhardt’s deep understanding of the track and Zilisch’s rapid learning curve.
Regardless of the result, the story of Dale Jr. returning to the pit box is already a win for NASCAR. It brings together multiple generations of fans, injects fresh excitement into the Xfinity Series, and once again underscores Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s unique and lasting influence on the sport.
From NASCAR royalty to racing mentor, and now to crew chief—Dale Earnhardt Jr. continues to reinvent himself in ways that serve both the sport and its future stars. This weekend’s collaboration with Connor Zilisch at Pocono isn’t just a compelling story—it’s a heartening reminder of how legends can lift the next generation.
Whether it ends in victory lane or just a valuable learning experience, “That’s Crew Chief Dale” is more than just a headline—it’s a symbol of passion, mentorship, and the ever-evolving spirit of racing.
