Connor Zilisch joins Trackhouse Racing for the NASCAR Cup Series following a newly inked multiyear deal, stepping into the seat previously held by Daniel Suarez after his five-year tenure with the team. The signing comes after Trackhouse Racing confirmed Suarez’s departure on July 1, leaving him without a confirmed team for next season.
Teammate Lineup and Zilisch’s 2024 Racing Experience
Zilisch is set to compete alongside Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen, both of whom are already confirmed to participate in the 2025 NASCAR Cup playoffs. Earlier this season, Zilisch raced a handful of events for Trackhouse, driving the No. 87 car, and secured an eleventh-place finish at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta.
Zilisch Shares His Perspective on Achieving a Dream
“This day has been a dream of mine for a long time,”
said Zilisch, who has served as a developmental driver for Trackhouse since 2024.
“Cup racing has been the goal since joining with Chevrolet and Trackhouse, and while I didn’t know it would come this soon, I feel like I’m ready,”
Zilisch said.
“I know the challenge that awaits entering the Cup Series as a full-time driver, but I feel that with the support of Trackhouse and Chevrolet, this is the right situation for me. I won’t be making any predictions for success next year. All I promise is to put in 100 percent effort, learn all that I can, plus have a little bit of fun along the way!”
—Connor Zilisch, Driver
Sponsorship and Team Details
Red Bull and WeatherTech are set to support Zilisch’s journey with the team. Although Daniel Suarez will leave the No. 99 car, Trackhouse has not disclosed which car number Zilisch will drive in the 2026 season. Shane van Gisbergen and Zilisch will be racing with Trackhouse Racing Team Chevrolet. The announcement was accompanied by an image from Jeff Robinson of Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, capturing the moment.
Zilisch’s Accomplished Rise and Recent Obstacles
Regarded as one of the most promising young racers in the lower NASCAR divisions, Zilisch boasts an impressive record highlighted by class victories at prestigious events such as the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring, in addition to several notable NASCAR achievements. Despite his success in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, 2024 has brought injuries, including a back injury from a crash while leading at Talladega, and a broken collarbone suffered after celebrating a win at Watkins Glen’s Victory Lane.
Achievements and Standings in a Challenging Season
Even amid setbacks, Zilisch has claimed seven wins this year and holds second place in the regular season standings. Most recently, Parker Kligerman stepped in as a relief driver, finishing Friday night’s Daytona race for Zilisch and taking the checkered flag. Due to the rules, the win is officially credited to Zilisch.
Looking Ahead for Trackhouse Racing and Zilisch
Connor Zilisch’s move places him among established teammates like Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen, further strengthening Trackhouse Racing’s competitive lineup for 2025 and beyond. With major sponsorships from Red Bull and WeatherTech, the organization expresses confidence in Zilisch’s development trajectory. The anticipation now shifts to watching how Zilisch leverages his racing background and navigates the challenges of a full-time NASCAR Cup Series role in the coming seasons.
