(NEXSTAR) — Despite a record-setting season, rookie Connor Zilisch came up short in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship, taking third place as Jesse Love took the checkered flag and with it, the championship victory at Phoenix Raceway. Love became the first driver in the series to have bookend victories, winning both the opening race at Daytona and the championship race. "It doesn't really feel real yet, obviously, I had to click into a mindset I've never clicked into in my life," Love said. "I haven't really let it all out yet, but at some point it's gonna feel real to me." It was a tough night for JR Motorsports, home to 75% of the motorists vying for this year's championship. It was an even tougher night for Connor Zilisch, unquestionably the fan-favorite heading into Saturday's championship with a series-record 10 wins, but Zilisch tried to stay positive when all was said and done. "Unfortunately, our WeatherTech Chevrolet, it just didn't have what we needed, but it doesn't take away from anything we did this year," Zilisch said. "I'm so proud of these guys but... I don't know, I guess the lights were too bright." Unsurprisingly, Zilisch was named Rookie of the Year for the series and will move up to a full-time position in NASCAR's highest tier, the Cup Series, in 2026 with Trackhouse Racing. Saturday's race was also the final under the Xfinity Series banner as a new sponsor, O'Reilly Auto Parts, will take over in 2026. The O'Reilly Auto Parts Series is set to kick off in February 2026.