Dale Earnhardt Jr. | Zilisch Crew Chief at Pocono
Dale Earnhardt Jr.takes the reins! The NASCAR Hall of Famer will crew chief for Connor Zilisch at Pocono this weekend, stepping in for the suspended Mardy Lindley. This marks an unprecedented moment in NASCAR history as Earnhardt Jr. shifts from the broadcast booth adn JR Motorsports to the crucial role of crew chief. Lindley’s one-race suspension,due to a penalty from the Nashville race,opens the door for Earnhardt Jr.to add another impressive dimension to his already illustrious career. Zilisch, having already secured a playoff spot after his COTA victory, will aim to capitalize on Earnhardt Jr.’s guidance. Read more at News Directory 3 for this and more breaking NASCAR updates! Discover the strategies that will unfold at pocono…
Earnhardt Jr.to Crew Chief Zilisch at Pocono
Updated June 18, 2025
Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer and JR Motorsports co-owner, will serve as Connor Zilisch’s crew chief in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Pocono raceway this weekend. This move comes as Mardy Lindley, Zilisch’s regular crew chief, serves a one-race suspension.
Lindley’s suspension stems from loose lug nuts discovered on the No. 88 Chevrolet following the Nashville race. The infraction also carries a $10,000 fine.
Earnhardt Jr.’s new role adds another dimension to his extensive NASCAR career, which includes driving, team ownership, and broadcasting.According to Racing Reference, this marks the first instance of an Earnhardt family member acting as crew chief in any of NASCAR’s national series.
Earnhardt Jr., son of the legendary Dale Earnhardt, boasts a decorated career with 26 race wins, including two Daytona 500 victories. A two-time Xfinity Series champion with 24 career wins, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021.
Zilisch, an 18-year-old Trackhouse prospect, has already clinched a playoff berth after his victory at COTA earlier this season.
This weekend, @DaleJr will be filling in for Mardy Lindley as crew chief of the No. 88 as Lindley serves his one race suspension for loose lugnuts following the NXS race in Nashville two weeks ago.
— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) June 18, 2025
What’s next
The NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Pocono Raceway will provide a unique opportunity to see Earnhardt Jr. guide Zilisch from atop the pit box, as Zilisch aims to capitalize on his playoff position.