Joey Logano advice to Connor Zilisch took center stage as rising teenager Connor Zilisch prepared to enter the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026 with Trackhouse Racing, succeeding Daniel Suarez in the No. 99 car. During a recent playoff media day, Logano, the current champion and veteran driver for Team Penske, offered genuine guidance for Zilisch’s transition into NASCAR’s highest ranks.
Comparison Between Two Early Achievers
Joey Logano and Connor Zilisch share similar career arcs as prodigies who burst onto the motorsports scene while still in their teens. Logano, recognized for his quick ascent that included a victory in his very first ARCA start at seventeen as well as early wins in both Xfinity and Cup Series before turning nineteen, understands the stakes and pressures involved. Zilisch, hailing from Charlotte, mirrors this drive, stacking an impressive record with class wins at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and Sebring 12 Hours, and success in the Trans-Am series and Mazda MX-5 Cup, making his climb to a full-time NASCAR seat one watched by many.
At Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Zilisch made headlines by surpassing a record previously held by Logano, further solidifying perceptions of his promise and skill at such a young age. Now, as he prepares for his Cup debut with Trackhouse Racing, the racing world is keenly interested in how the teenager will adapt to the top tier of stock car competition, especially given the path blazed by his predecessor, Daniel Suarez.
Insights and Encouragement From a Champion
Speaking during the media session, Logano didn’t hold back in his appraisal of Zilisch’s abilities and maturity.
“I think he’s (Zilisch) better than I was at that age, and he seems to be more mature than I was at that age,”
—Joey Logano, defending champion.
The two drivers’ trajectories might look similar from afar, but Logano emphasized the unique challenges that come with Cup racing, noting the elevated competition and pressure that comes with every event.
“I’d say that the biggest thing is it’s easy as an 18 or 19-year-old to drink the Kool-Aid. Yeah, he’s a great driver. There’s no doubt. He can win a lot of Xfinity races. Cup racing is different. Everybody is that great at this level. Everybody is fantastic, so you can’t drink your own Kool-Aid too much to where you think you’re the next thing and then you’re gonna get here and fall on your face.”
—Joey Logano, defending champion.
Drawing from his own journey, Logano reflected on the periods of both triumph and struggle that shaped his career, offering wisdom meant to ground Zilisch as he faces similar trials.
“I lived it. I’ve been there. As good as I think that he is and will be, I also think that you’ve got to stay humble throughout it all and just remember what’s important.”
—Joey Logano, defending champion.
His message was reinforced during a public exchange aimed directly at Zilisch leading up to the rookie’s debut year:
“.@joeylogano gives veteran advice to young racing phenom @ConnorZilisch ahead of his rookie season in 2026, and says to never count out team 22 in any Playoffs…
“Even when I thought we were out we weren’t last year!”
”
—Peter Stratta, motorsports reporter
The Road Ahead for Connor Zilisch
For Zilisch, the real test will not just involve showcasing his raw driving talent, but also navigating the challenges and expectations that come with the NASCAR Cup Series. With advice from seasoned professionals like Logano and a track record of handling high-stakes competitions such as the Sebring 12 Hours and victories at iconic places like Daytona, Zilisch has momentum behind him—and the attention of observers throughout NASCAR.
As the 2026 season draws near, Zilisch’s progress will be closely followed, with the transition from rising star to full-time Cup competitor expected to be a defining story of the year. The words of Joey Logano advise a course of humility and perseverance, as Zilisch looks to carve out his place among the elite in racing. For Trackhouse Racing and fans of the sport, all eyes will be on the teenager’s ability to translate promise into consistent performance at the highest level.
