Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s protective instincts kicked into high gear during Saturday’s Chicago Street Race when his young protégé, Connor Zilisch, aggressively put a competitor into the wall. The NASCAR veteran’s perfectly timed radio response captured his concern and dry sense of humor, delivering one of the weekend’s most memorable team communications.
The incident unfolded during the first stage of the Loop 110 Xfinity Series race at the Chicago Street Course. Zilisch, starting from 35th position after a practice crash derailed his qualifying efforts, was charging through the field when he engaged in an aggressive battle with Thomas Annunziata’s No. 70 Chevrolet in Turn 8. The 18-year-old made a bold move that resulted in contact, sending Annunziata’s car toward the wall.
Zilisch’s aggressive driving style has been a trademark throughout his rapid rise in NASCAR’s developmental ranks. The teenager has shown he’s not afraid to make bold moves, but this incident caught his team owner’s attention for all the wrong reasons.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Gold Radio Commentary
Starting so far back in the field, Zilisch was trying to make up ground quickly, but his move on Annunziata crossed the line from aggressive to reckless. NASCAR journalist Jordan Bianchi captured the conversation between the team owner and driver, which revealed Earnhardt’s concern and signature wit.
When Earnhardt Jr. asked, “Did you put somebody in the wall in Turn 8?” Zilisch responded, “I don’t think he hit the wall, but I moved him. He tried to pass me back after I passed him.”
Earnhardt’s reply perfectly captured his practical concerns: “I think he did hit the wall. I’m in the pit stall next to him, and I don’t want him coming over here.”
Dale Jr: “Did you put somebody in the wall in Turn 8?”
Connor Zilisch: “I don’t think he hit the wall, but I moved him. He tried to pass me back after I passed him.”
Dale Jr: “I think he did hit the wall. I’m in the pit stall next to him and I don’t want him coming over here.”
— Jordan Bianchi (@Jordan_Bianchi) July 5, 2025
Earnhardt’s final comment perfectly summed up the practical concerns of a team owner who knows that aggressive driving can sometimes lead to heated confrontations in the pits. His matter-of-fact delivery and the underlying message showed his experience and protective nature toward his young driver.
The exchange also revealed Earnhardt’s communication style, which has made him such an effective mentor. Rather than screaming at Zilisch or delivering a harsh lecture over the radio, he used humor to defuse the situation and clarify his point. This approach helps maintain the driver’s confidence while addressing the issue.
The Mentor’s Protective Touch in Action
This radio exchange highlighted Earnhardt’s unique relationship with Zilisch, which has become one of NASCAR’s most compelling mentor-student partnerships. Earnhardt had taken an unusually hands-on approach to Zilisch’s development, even serving as his crew chief at Pocono Raceway in June when the regular crew chief was suspended.
“He loves to help and give advice,” Zilisch has said about Earnhardt Jr.’s involvement. “He loves giving advice on speedway racing, especially; he sat us all down at Daytona, the day of the race, and was like, ‘Hey guys, this is what you gotta do.'”
Read More: ‘Too Cool for School’ — Connor Zilisch Opens Up About His Off–Track Bond With Dale Earnhardt Jr.
The Chicago incident showed how this mentorship goes beyond racing strategy, including managing relationships in the garage. Earnhardt’s concern about potential pit road drama reflected his understanding that young drivers’ aggressive moves can sometimes create lasting problems with competitors. His protective tone during the radio call showed his genuine care for Zilisch’s development both on and off the track.
This kind of guidance is invaluable for a young driver trying to establish himself in NASCAR’s competitive environment. With limited practice time and intense competition for every position, drivers like Zilisch often feel pressure to make bold moves to stand out. Earnhardt’s role is to help him channel that aggression productively while avoiding the kind of incidents that can damage relationships and hurt his long-term prospects in the sport.