Connor Zilisch, recognized as a rising talent in NASCAR, is increasing his involvement at the Cup Series level as Trackhouse Racing confirmed he will compete in additional races this season, including Atlanta and Watkins Glen. This decision supports Zilisch’s continued progress, as he pursues the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship while gaining vital experience with Trackhouse Racing.
Early Performances and Notable Races
Zilisch, at just 18, has impressed many throughout the racing community since his arrival in the sport. Backed by Red Bull, he debuted in the NASCAR Cup Series at Circuit of the Americas (COTA), piloting the No. 87 Chevrolet. He qualified in 14th place and was demonstrating competitive speed before an on-track incident with Daniel Suarez, his Trackhouse Racing teammate, forced him out of the race. He was able to complete 49 laps before finishing 37th due to the crash.
He soon returned for his first oval event—the demanding Coca-Cola 600—where he started 33rd. In this marathon race, Zilisch endured a mid-race spin after contact with Jimmie Johnson but escaped major damage and pressed on, ultimately achieving a 23rd-place finish. His teammate, Ross Chastain, secured victory in that event, highlighting Trackhouse Racing’s presence at the top of the field.
Upcoming Cup Series Appearances
This season, Trackhouse Racing will continue developing Zilisch’s skills by entering him in two more NASCAR Cup Series races. His next start will be at Atlanta on June 28, giving him the chance to race at the newly renamed EchoPark Speedway, which reflects a fresh branding partnership. Additionally, he will be on the grid at Watkins Glen on August 10—a track that carries special significance, as it was the site of his first career win in the Xfinity Series.
“It’s awesome to have the opportunity to race two more times in the NASCAR Cup Series,”
—Connor Zilisch, Driver
“Nothing beats experience in this sport, especially at the Cup level. Thanks to everyone at Red Bull and Trackhouse for this opportunity.”
—Connor Zilisch, Driver
Zilisch’s Progress in the Xfinity Series
While balancing Cup outings, Zilisch remains a fierce contender in the Xfinity Series. He currently holds fifth in the series’ regular season standings, despite having suffered a minor back injury in a crash at Talladega that forced him to miss a race in Texas. With a win at COTA earlier in the year, he has already secured a playoff spot. Zilisch has also demonstrated remarkable improvement on oval tracks, having earned consecutive second-place finishes at Charlotte and Nashville.
The Road Ahead for a Promising Racer
Zilisch’s expanded schedule represents a strategic commitment by Trackhouse Racing and their partners, including Red Bull, to nurture emerging talent and to hone his racecraft on varied circuits. With additional Cup starts at Atlanta and Watkins Glen, Zilisch will gain more top-level seat time and further test himself against some of NASCAR’s best, deepening his experience as he continues to develop across both the Cup and Xfinity Series. As the season progresses, Zilisch’s journey will be closely watched by fans and teams alike, as he sets out to meet the high expectations set by his performance so far.
