Connor Zilisch, currently racing in his first Xfinity Series season with JR Motorsports, will be moving to the NASCAR Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing in 2026, a major step influenced significantly by Kevin Harvick’s crucial NASCAR guidance. The announcement, made at Daytona, sets Zilisch up as one of the sport’s brightest emerging stars thanks to key mentors and supporters who have shaped his path.
Zilisch’s Rapid Rise in the Racing World
At just 19 years old, Connor Zilisch has made a resounding impact, notching seven victories so far in his rookie year with JR Motorsports and positioning himself as the favorite to win the Xfinity Series championship. His talent and determination have been recognized by some of NASCAR’s most respected figures, which led to his recent promotion. Trackhouse Racing highlighted his successful journey by confirming his advancement to the Cup Series at a release event attended by key leaders, including team owner Justin Marks and Global Motorsports Competition vice president Dr. Eric Warren.
Emotional Acknowledgments from Zilisch
During the Daytona announcement, Zilisch became emotional as he acknowledged those responsible for his progress. Surrounded by leaders from Trackhouse and reflecting on his past, he thanked a range of supporters including his team figures and family.
“First of all, thank you to Eric and Justin. I was sitting in the Dix parking lot across the street earlier today and just kind of reflecting on the last 15 years of my life and what’s led to this moment and got me to this point. I never thought I would make it anywhere in racing. My parents have been behind me since day one, through every moment, the good, the bad.”
—Connor Zilisch, Driver
Kevin Harvick’s Game-Changing Advice
A pivotal moment in Zilisch’s progression came from the intervention of former Cup champion Kevin Harvick. Originally, Zilisch’s father planned for Connor to pursue racing for only a couple of years before sending him to college. However, Harvick stepped in and provided the crucial NASCAR guidance that changed the family’s trajectory and allowed Zilisch to keep chasing his racing ambitions. Zilisch highlighted this turning point in his journey.
“My dad was like, ‘Well, he’s going to race for another year or two and then he’s going to go to college.’ And Kevin told my dad, ‘You can’t do that.’ So, first of all, thank you to Kevin.”
—Connor Zilisch, Driver
Saluting Mentors and Supporters
Zilisch extended his thanks to Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt, who gave him his opportunity with JR Motorsports, as well as his ARCA Menards and Trans Am teams. The collective backing from these teams and individuals has been instrumental in boosting his skills and confidence on the track. He reserved special recognition for Gary Willis, who coached him during his formative karting years and played the role of a second father during that period.
“He was basically my father for a good portion of my life,”
—Connor Zilisch, Driver
“So, today is a really, really special day for me.”
—Connor Zilisch, Driver
Next Steps Before Cup Series Transition
Despite his bright future with Trackhouse Racing, Connor Zilisch remains focused on his current goal of winning the Xfinity Series Championship before he advances to NASCAR’s top tier, where he will become the third driver for Trackhouse alongside Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen. Recently, Parker Kligerman filled in for him during the Wawa 250 at Daytona and took the car to Victory Lane while Zilisch recovers from a collarbone injury. With the playoffs beginning at Bristol on September 12, Zilisch’s supporters are hopeful for his complete recovery in time for a strong championship bid.
The Broader Significance of Zilisch’s Advancement
Connor Zilisch’s journey to the Cup Series not only marks an individual triumph but also underscores the transformative impact of timely guidance from seasoned professionals like Kevin Harvick. With steadfast backing from his family, mentors like Gary Willis, and opportunities given by industry figureheads including Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt, Zilisch’s career trajectory highlights both teamwork and perseverance. As he prepares for the next stage of his career with Trackhouse Racing, the motorsports world will be watching closely to see how his ascent influences the next generation of drivers in NASCAR.
