Kevin Harvick praises Connor Zilisch as he prepares for his NASCAR Cup Series promotion, drawing comparisons to racing legend Jeff Gordon due to Zilisch’s remarkable talent and versatility. The 19-year-old’s rapid rise and strong performances set high expectations as he gets ready to join Trackhouse Racing next year.
Connor Zilisch Earns High Praise from Kevin Harvick for Racing Acumen
Kevin Harvick, the 2014 NASCAR champion, identified Connor Zilisch’s potential early, inviting him into the world of American stock car racing after noticing his impressive performances in go-karts. Harvick mentored the young driver starting in 2021, believing Zilisch’s combination of skill, willingness to learn, and analytical approach would allow him to reach the highest levels of motorsport, even mentioning Formula 1 as a possible destination.
Harvick’s comparison to Jeff Gordon carries weight, considering Gordon’s legendary NASCAR entry in the 1990s. Gordon entered the Cup Series in 1993, notched two wins in his rookie year, and clinched his first championship in 1995, stopping Dale Earnhardt Sr. from securing a record-breaking eighth title. Zilisch finds himself following a similar path, entering the series with both promise and expectation.
On his Happy Hour podcast, Harvick reflected on Zilisch’s progress and his readiness for the next challenge, stating:
“You’re going to have a new team… around him. You’re going to have a lot of challenges. But he is the most polished, most well-rounded young driver that’s come to the Cup series in a long time, since Jeff Gordon.” [2:08]
This strong endorsement signals the level of confidence Harvick has in Zilisch’s capabilities as a driver poised for immediate impact.
Zilisch Dominates in Xfinity, Moves Up to NASCAR Cup Series
Connor Zilisch currently leads the NASCAR Xfinity Series with seven wins, placing him ahead of defending champion Justin Allgaier of JR Motorsports by a significant margin. In addition to his victories, Zilisch has recorded five pole positions, 13 top-five finishes, and 15 top-ten results, distinguishing himself as the series’ leading rookie.
Born and raised in North Carolina, Zilisch’s trajectory continues upward as he prepares to step into the Cup Series next season with Trackhouse Racing. He is set to replace Daniel Suárez and will join teammates Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen, though his car number remains to be announced.
Trackhouse Racing’s Justin Marks Sees Parallels to Max Verstappen
Justin Marks, the co-owner of Trackhouse Racing and Zilisch’s soon-to-be team boss, has also drawn notable comparisons for the young driver. Marks likened Zilisch’s readiness and potential to that of four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen. He stressed the team’s belief in Zilisch’s ability to compete at the highest level immediately, even in the highly competitive Cup Series.
During a recent interview at Daytona International Speedway, Marks commented on the unique qualities Zilisch brings to the table:
“All of those things together, he’s demonstrated in a way that I’ve not ever seen a teenager be able to do before. When you recognize that you’ve got that in a package, you have to run with it. We’ve seen it. I mean, Max Verstappen, and there’s been other drivers that have gotten sort of thrown into the top level at a young age, and all of those guys kind of demonstrate the same thing.”
“We wouldn’t be doing this if we didn’t think that he’d be successful, if we didn’t think that he’d be able to win as a rookie. We’re just thrilled to be able to have him.”
This comparison is noteworthy as Verstappen began his Formula 1 career at age 17 and soon became the youngest winner in F1 history, achieving victory at 18 during the Spanish Grand Prix. Verstappen’s rise led to championship battles with Lewis Hamilton, establishing him as one of the sport’s dominant forces.
Zilisch Eyes Xfinity Playoffs Before Cup Series Promotion
Before Connor Zilisch joins the Cup Series with his new team, he is gearing up for his debut playoff run in the Xfinity Series, starting at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 12. Should he win the Xfinity Series championship as a rookie, he would join Chase Elliott in an exclusive club of drivers who claimed the title in their first season.
Zilisch’s journey is closely watched by racing figures like Kevin Harvick and Justin Marks, as well as fans and former rivals such as Justin Allgaier. His current results, expert mentorship, and leadership from Trackhouse Racing’s owner provide a strong foundation for what could be one of the sport’s most significant talent arrivals since Jeff Gordon’s debut. The racing world now anticipates how Connor Zilisch’s promotion, coupled with his Xfinity playoff battle, will shape NASCAR’s next generation of stars.
