Connor Zilisch has emerged as the top prospect in the hunt for a NASCAR Cup Series debut, according to recent discussions among industry insiders, just as the field lacks a rookie standout this season. As performances lag from current newcomers like Riley Herbst and Shane Van Gisbergen, attention has shifted to Zilisch and another promising young talent, Carson Kvapil, who may soon join the Cup Series regulars.
Expert Predictions Highlight Rising Stars
On the Door, Bumper, Clear podcast, Jordan Bianchi from The Athletic spotlighted both Connor Zilisch and Carson Kvapil when asked which drivers might become the next rookies in the sport’s top division.
“Connor Zilisch is the one to keep an eye on. He’s the one that really has got people talking. I’m gonna throw another name out there, too. There’s people talking about Carson Kvapil.”
—Jordan Bianchi, The Athletic
Connor Zilisch’s Acceleration in the Xfinity Series
Zilisch’s performance this season has accelerated his status as the leading NASCAR prospect. At just 18 years old, he competes full-time in the Xfinity Series for JR Motorsports and currently stands sixth in the points rankings. This impressive position came despite a setback at Talladega Superspeedway, where a crash resulted in a back injury causing him to miss the following race.
His statistical achievements highlight his talent and determination: 351 points, 1 win, 4 top 10s, 2 top 5s, 3 pole positions, 3 DNFs, 171 laps led, an average starting position of 6.25, and an average finish of 15.583 across 12 races. These numbers stand out for a teenager in such a competitive environment.
In 2024, Trackhouse Racing secured Zilisch through a multi-year agreement, reflecting their confidence in his abilities. He made his debut in the Cup Series at COTA in March, where his qualifying and early race pace put him among the frontrunners until a collision cut his effort short. Zilisch is already being discussed as a candidate to replace current drivers Daniel Suarez (No. 99 car) or Shane van Gisbergen (No. 88 car), both of whom are heading toward free agency after this season.
Carson Kvapil Drawing Attention from Elite Teams
Carson Kvapil is another rising Xfinity Series driver who has caught the eye of insiders and top organizations alike. The 22-year-old is steering the No. 1 car for JR Motorsports this year and after the recent Charlotte race, he holds eighth in the standings and shares the honor of fifth-most top-5 finishes in the series.
“People have recognized what he has done. This is a guy who doesn’t have a lot of big track experience, he has done a very good job of managing races and doing well, putting himself in a good position points-wise. Had a lot of good runs this year that have just kinda fallen by the wayside, not for his fault. He is someone I know multiple big teams have looked at him and said that’s someone we like.”
—Jordan Bianchi, The Athletic
Kvapil’s 2024 season stats include 345 points, 3 top 5 finishes, 4 top 10s, and 56 laps led in 13 races. While his big track experience remains limited, he has repeatedly showcased consistency and racing intelligence, attributes highly valued by Cup Series teams.
What the Future Holds for Zilisch and Kvapil
Opportunities in the NASCAR Cup Series are anticipated to be scarce for the 2026 season, but Carson Kvapil’s rising profile means several teams are considering his abilities for a future debut. Meanwhile, Connor Zilisch remains the leading figure among the next generation, buoyed by his rapid rise, strong statistics, and interest from teams such as Trackhouse Racing. Other drivers like Corey Heim also generate buzz, but focus remains on Zilisch and Kvapil due to their recent track performances and increasing visibility within the NASCAR ecosystem.
The buzz surrounding these young drivers reflects NASCAR’s ever-present search for the next breakthrough stars. As Zilisch continues to embody the title of Connor Zilisch top NASCAR Cup Series prospect, all eyes will be on how quickly these promising talents can make the leap—from hot prospects in the Xfinity Series to rookie contenders at the highest level of stock car racing.
