Connor Zilisch’s impressive rookie campaign in the NASCAR Xfinity Series has captured attention, but Denny Hamlin warns on Zilisch’s future, suggesting the step up to the Cup Series next year could present new challenges. The North Carolina native, only 19, has racked up four wins this season, yet Cup Series veteran Hamlin urges fans to temper their expectations regarding Zilisch’s first season at NASCAR’s top level.
Zilisch’s Standout Rookie Performance in the Xfinity Series
Competing for JR Motorsports, Connor Zilisch has become a sensation in the Xfinity Series, consistently showing speed and racecraft that belies his youth and experience. Commanding the BetRivers 200 in Dover, he piloted his No. 88 Chevrolet to victory by leading 77 out of 134 laps in a rain-shortened event, underlining his competitiveness on ovals and road courses alike. He has notched three wins out of the past five contests, rebounding from early struggles this year thanks to his breakthrough at Circuit of The Americas, and proving his potential as a rising NASCAR star.
The path for Zilisch opened further when Daniel Suárez confirmed his upcoming departure from Trackhouse Racing, fueling immediate speculation that the young driver would be his successor. As excitement builds around Zilisch moving to the Cup Series, established racers like Denny Hamlin have begun to weigh in on his prospects.
Denny Hamlin Counsels Perspective Amid Rising Expectations
On the latest episode of his Actions Detrimental podcast, Dover Cup race winner Denny Hamlin acknowledged Zilisch’s spectacular Xfinity results but issued a sharp reality check regarding the step up to Cup racing. Hamlin compared Zilisch’s current success to that of former Kaulig driver Shane van Gisbergen, then emphasized the advantage of Zilisch’s current equipment.
“He’s running better than Shane was on ovals. Now, Shane was with Kaulig, he’s with JRM,”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Cup Series driver and podcast host.
Making his point, Hamlin highlighted the gap in team performance between Zilisch’s current and future teams.
“JRM is definitely the class of the field with their cars and their performance. And then you’ll be going to Trackhouse that is not the top of performance in Cup and the competition is harder. So, you got to be somewhat realistic.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Cup Series driver and podcast host.
Hamlin then set expectations for Zilisch’s Cup Series debut, offering a candid projection on his likely rookie performance.
“If I had to just throw out a number, his first season…. One year from now, he’ll be 24,”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Cup Series driver and podcast host.
This prediction frames next year as a potential adjustment period for Zilisch, with Hamlin indicating a 24th-place finish in the Cup Series standings is likely as the driver adapts to fiercer competition and a less dominant team package.
The Steep Transition to the NASCAR Cup Series
As Zilisch prepares to climb from JR Motorsports, widely regarded as the benchmark team in Xfinity, to Trackhouse Racing in the Cup Series, he faces the reality that his new team doesn’t rival the resources or dominance of powerhouse organizations like Joe Gibbs Racing or Hendrick Motorsports. The move will also see him join Shane van Gisbergen as a teammate at Trackhouse Racing, a team with potential but still gaining ground among Cup’s top competitors.
Across the NASCAR garage, there’s little debate about Zilisch’s talent or his prospects for long-term success in the top tier. However, as Hamlin’s comments make clear, the jump to the Cup Series brings stiffer opposition, demanding equipment, and a steep learning curve that even the most promising rookies cannot ignore.
A Defining Year Awaits NASCAR’s Rising Star
Connor Zilisch’s Xfinity Series performances have set high expectations, positioning him as the latest prospect with star potential for NASCAR’s elite division. While optimism surrounds his move, Hamlin’s warnings spotlight the challenging road ahead, especially over the initial season with Trackhouse Racing. As Zilisch transitions, the racing world will watch closely to see if the prodigy continues his winning ways or faces the growing pains that often come with reaching motorsport’s highest level.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin started his full-time Cup Series career with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2006. Since then, he has become a legendary driver. He has achieved 51 Cup Series wins and won the Daytona 500 three times (in 2016, 2019, and 2020). Throughout his career, he has also earned millions of dollars.
Q. Did Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish get married?
A. Denny Hamlin is set to marry Jordan Fish. Since she loved dancing as a child, she danced for the Charlotte Bobcats, now called the Charlotte Hornets, in the NBA. She first encountered Hamlin while performing at one of their games.
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?
A. Denny Hamlin has accumulated a net worth of about $65 million. He has achieved this through a thriving racing career, profitable endorsement deals, and smart real estate investments. Running a racing team and being a successful driver, Hamlin aligns everything perfectly both in and out of racing.
Q. How is Denny Hamlin so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin’s wealth of $65 million comes from his successful NASCAR career. He’s made over $100 million from contracts and race prizes. He also earns millions from sponsors like FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota. Additionally, he co-owns 23XI Racing, a team now worth over $100 million.
