Connor Zilisch just wrapped up one of the most dominant regular seasons in NASCAR Xfinity Series history, but it wasn’t just his driving that turned heads at World Wide Technology Raceway.
While the 19-year-old was cruising toward his ninth win and clinching the championship by 53 points over teammate Justin Allgaier, his pit crew delivered a masterclass performance that left fans stunned. In 13.96 seconds, they executed a flawless four-tire change, perfectly capturing why Zilisch has been untouchable this season.
How Did Connor Zilisch Dominate the Regular Season Title Race?
One of the brightest stars in the Xfinity circuit this season, Zilisch, shocked many in the sport with his exceptional run. With nine wins in the 2025 campaign, Zilisch clinched the regular-season title of NASCAR’s tier two series by a significant margin.
His teammate, Allgaier, was second in the standings and trailing the No. 88 driver by 53 points. Allgaier was one of the other favorites to win the title. However, with a victory at World Wide Technology Raceway, Zilisch claimed the championship rather seamlessly.
While Zilisch’s skill behind the wheel has played a massive role in his achievements, so have his crew members. In the final race of the regular season, Zilisch’s crew gave a perfect example of their competence.
Zilisch started the contest at World Wide Technology Raceway from the pole position and dominated a huge chunk of the race to reach victory lane. He won the first stage, finished third in the second stage, and led 121 laps out of 160 to cruise toward his ninth win of the season.
Along with his victory, another aspect that caught fans’ attention was the lightning-fast pit stop executed by the No. 88 crew. The members of Zilisch’s team wrapped up a four-tire change pit stop in 13.96 seconds and got the 19-year-old out front.
No. 88 pit crew showed up for the money stop.
13.96 seconds for that 4 tire change gets @ConnorZilisch out first.
All @TeamTrackhouse Cup crew members:
Front Changer: Ryan Mulder
Rear Changer: Seth Gajdorus
Jack: Josh Appleby
Tire Carrier: Charles Plank
Fueler: Milan Rudanovic pic.twitter.com/OtX6FBigSn
— Bozi Tatarevic (@BoziTatarevic) September 7, 2025
Zilisch’s crew was an extension of Trackhouse Racing and assisted him due to JR Motorsports’ ties with the team. The crew consisted of five members: Ryan Mulder, the front tire changer; Seth Gajdorus, the rear tire changer; Josh Appleby, the jackman; Charles Plank, the tire carrier; and Milan Rudanovic, the crew’s fueler.
Who Are the Five Crew Members Behind Zilisch’s Success?
Each member of this championship-caliber crew brings a unique background to the No. 88 team. Mulder was born to parents who were both tech officials associated with the United States Racing Association. From an early age, he showed a knack for automobiles in his father’s Darlo’s Auto Shop in downtown Sioux Center. Alongside Zilisch, he also serves as a crew member for Shane van Gisbergen.
Meanwhile, Gajdorus began with dirt late models as a teenager and moved to North Carolina in 2015 to attend NASCAR Technical Institute. He started his career as a crew member with Roush Fenway Racing as a tire changer and assisted with bodywork installation in the team’s shop. He was also assigned to Daniel Suarez’s No. 99 crew.
Appleby, currently one of the best jackmen in the sport, studied marketing and was a kicker at the University of Louisville before starting as a crew member. He also joined an IT firm out of college. His pit crew journey began when he met a few members at a gym.
Plank attended NASCAR Technical Institute and was involved in a notable pit lane incident with Zane Smith at Talladega in 2023. He also serves as the tire carrier for Suarez and is a huge fan of dirt biking in his spare time.
Before landing the job of a fueler, Milan Rudanovic was a defender at Rutgers University. He also worked several jobs, including for a homeowners’ insurance inspection company and as a waiter. After getting a labor and employment regulations degree, he joined NASCAR and began his career as a pit crew member.
With Trackhouse Racing announcing the signing of Zilisch for his rookie Cup Series season in 2026, it will be interesting to see if some of Trackhouse’s crew members transfer to the 19-year-old’s new team.
