Joey Logano, a three-time Cup Series champion, recently shared guiding advice for young drivers, specifically addressing Connor Zilisch as he prepares to join Trackhouse Racing’s Cup Series program in 2026. With Zilisch quickly earning attention as a likely Xfinity Series title contender and showing similarities to Logano’s own early career path, the NASCAR veteran emphasized humility and preparedness in the face of rising fame.
Connor Zilisch’s Rapid Ascent to NASCAR’s Top Tier
At only 19 years old, Connor Zilisch has made significant waves in the racing world, securing the third seat with Trackhouse Racing for the 2026 season. Currently competing for JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series, Zilisch stands out as a strong favorite to clinch the championship, drawing attention from established names across the motorsports landscape. His swift progress and growing following signal high expectations as he approaches the pinnacle of stock car racing.
Joey Logano’s Reflections on Early Success and Career Lessons
Logano, who debuted in the Cup Series himself at the age of 18 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, empathizes with the pressures and high hopes placed upon Zilisch. Logano openly conceded during playoff media day that Zilisch may already surpass what he achieved at the same age. Despite Zilisch’s current achievements, Logano stressed the stark realities awaiting any rookie at the Cup level. He warned against believing in early hype and reinforced the level playing field at the sport’s highest tier, referencing his own trials and setbacks after an initial burst of attention that faded quickly in his early seasons. After being let go from Joe Gibbs Racing, Logano found lasting success with Team Penske, an experience shaping his approach to mentorship.
“Cup racing is different. Everybody is 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. I lived it. I’ve been there.”
—Joey Logano, Cup Series Champion
Zilisch Seeks Guidance from Veteran Champions
Zilisch’s agreement with Trackhouse Racing was formed under a multi-year deal—an investment team owner Justin Marks sees as essential for long-term growth at NASCAR’s top echelon. Although Zilisch admires legendary drivers like seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson, he views Logano as a particularly valuable mentor, given their parallel career beginnings.
“He [Joey Logano] made his Cup Series debut at 18… So, I’m curious to see what his mindset was, the mistakes he made, the things he went through that he wished he hadn’t. But I feel like that’d be cool to kind of hear about and see if I could learn anything from him.”
—Connor Zilisch, Driver
Observers such as Jeff Burton have also spotted defining similarities between Logano and the emerging star Zilisch, describing both as competitive and transformative once seated behind the wheel. Their fiercely committed race-day demeanor contrasts with a calmer presence outside the car, setting them apart as both fan favorites and intense competitors.
The Road Ahead for Connor Zilisch and NASCAR’s Next Generation
As Zilisch awaits his Cup Series debut, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on how he manages increasing pressure and expectations. Drawing on lessons from Joey Logano, who endured and ultimately overcame early career challenges, Zilisch has a unique opportunity to shape his journey alongside guidance from championship-caliber peers. The implications for both Trackhouse Racing and the broader field are significant, as a new generation of drivers learns from the past while forging their own paths toward success in stock car racing.
