Connor Zilisch’s rise through the NASCAR ranks is redefining rookie standards, as he racks up wins in the Xfinity Series and sparks speculation about his readiness for the Cup level. As the conversation intensifies around the Connor Zilisch NASCAR Cup Series journey, the young North Carolina native shares a grounded perspective, underscoring that conquering NASCAR’s premier class is no easy feat.
Zilisch’s Xfinity Success Sets a New Bar for Rookies
Zilisch’s rookie Xfinity Series campaign has been a showcase of raw ability and determination, as the 19-year-old has matched the records set by legendary figures such as Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards, with five wins in a single season. This impressive feat places him second only to Jack Ingram, who set the bar in 1982, the series’ inaugural year. Zilisch has made headlines again with his current three-race win streak, becoming the youngest competitor in Xfinity history to achieve this milestone.
His remarkable form has inevitably shifted attention from questions of ‘if’ he will ascend to the Cup Series to ‘when’ and ‘how soon’ this step will happen. Zilisch, driving for JR Motorsports, explained the realities of such a transition in a recent interview with Racer’s Kelly Crandall:
“It’s going to take time. The car is a lot different. It’s very on edge. There’s not a lot of room for error. I’m probably going to make mistakes and have moments, and there’re going to be bad days. But as long as I continue to see myself grow, I’ll be satisfied. So it’s going to be a process no matter how you look at it.”
—Connor Zilisch, Driver
Contrasts Between Xfinity and Cup Series Machinery
The Xfinity Series car, featuring a classic H-pattern four-speed gearbox and fewer horsepower than its Cup counterpart, is a holdover from NASCAR’s earlier generations. Its 650-horsepower output and composite body, added for durability in 2017, are reminiscent of the Gen-5 and Gen-6 Cup cars from the past decade, offering a level of handling familiar to many drivers transitioning through the ranks.
In stark contrast, the Cup Series car represents state-of-the-art engineering, with its high-grip, low-profile design, single-lug wheels, sequential gear shifting, and a rear diffuser that dramatically alters aerodynamics and downforce. These factors deliver more grip but reduce the margin for error, raising the bar for those making the step up.
Learning from the Experiences of Cup Series Peers
Zilisch has paid close attention to the advice of friends and current Cup Series drivers like Zane Smith and Noah Gragson. He noted how even top-tier drivers often find themselves battling in the midfield, something newcomers rarely anticipate until they experience it firsthand:
“I’m friends with Zane (Smith) and Noah (Gragson) and… they told me, ‘Dude, just wait until you’re fighting for a lucky dog (free pass) or just wait until you’re 25th and you’re cheering that you finish top 20.’ You don’t understand until you get there.”
—Connor Zilisch, Driver
“Every guy in the Cup Series was a champion or a winner or was dominating at certain points of their career, and you get to the Cup Series, and nobody dominates. There is no guy who’s clear ahead of the field. It’s just different, and it’s tough to understand,”
he added. —Connor Zilisch, Driver
This reality has humbled several celebrated rookies—Ty Gibbs, Austin Cindric, and Cole Custer included—who have found the Cup grid to be relentlessly competitive, even with prior Xfinity dominance. Their experiences reflect the intensity and complexity facing every driver who steps onto NASCAR’s biggest stage.
The Shifting Landscape at Trackhouse and Zilisch’s Path Forward
One prominent example of the Cup Series’ tough environment is Daniel Suarez, the 2016 Xfinity champion. With Suarez’s anticipated departure from Trackhouse Racing and the No. 99 seat expected to become available for the 2026 season, the organization seems poised for a generational transition.
Trackhouse Racing has demonstrated its commitment to the future by signing Zilisch to a development deal ahead of 2024. He has already piloted the organization’s No. 87 Cup entry at tracks such as COTA, Charlotte, and Atlanta, gaining invaluable seat time as preparation for an eventual full-time Cup effort. Speaking about this experience, Zilisch emphasized his pragmatic approach:
“I’m enjoying my time on Saturday while I can. Winning races is fun, but I’m trying to learn as much as I can, so when that day comes that I make the jump to Sundays, I’m ready for it.”
—Connor Zilisch, Driver
This model reflects Trackhouse’s recent development of Shane van Gisbergen, who made his own mark with three Xfinity victories and significant experience on American ovals before stepping up to secure three Cup wins and a playoff berth as a rookie.
Expectations for Zilisch’s Imminent Cup Series Leap
Dale Earnhardt Jr., the current owner of Zilisch’s Xfinity team, has praised him as possessing Hall of Fame-level potential. However, the examples set by Ty Gibbs and others underscore how even remarkable talent is not a guarantee of instant success in Cup. The transition remains filled with challenges, as shared by drivers and industry figures alike.
As Zilisch’s journey progresses, the focus will remain on how he adapts to the high demands and fierce competition of the Cup Series, a stage where legends contend and no driver holds a clear advantage. The next chapter in Connor Zilisch’s NASCAR Cup Series journey is likely to bring both intense competition and invaluable growth, as he continues learning and preparing to take on NASCAR’s highest tier.
