NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. stepped in as a crew chief for 18-year-old Connor Zilisch, giving him the unique perspectives of having been a crew chief and a team owner. Earnhardt owns JR Motorsports - a racing team that gives young drivers an opportunity in the Xfinity Series.

Earnhardt led Connor Zilisch to victory in Saturday's Xfinity Series race in a one-off role filling in for Mardy Lindley

Dale Earnhardt Jr. took the role seriously. He attended meetings. He took notes. He was at a pit practice. When the Xfinity Series garage opened Friday afternoon at at Pocono Raceway, he was there. This was not a publicity stunt or a chance to add another line to his Hall of Fame resume.