Conor Zilisch will step into the NASCAR Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing in 2026, taking over Daniel Suarez‘s seat after an outstanding Xfinity Series performance in 2025. Dale Earnhardt Jr. on Conor Zilisch has captured attention, as Zilisch’s nine Xfinity wins and regular season championship have established him and his JR Motorsports teammate Justin Allgaier as leading contenders this season.
This upcoming move to the Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing follows a breakout campaign, setting Zilisch up as one of the most talked-about rookie prospects in recent memory. With the transition from Xfinity to the top level, questions are rising about how his success will translate, especially as he joins a team known for both strong and inconsistent performances.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Foresees a Challenging Debut for Zilisch at Trackhouse
During a recent episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, NASCAR Hall of Famer and JR Motorsports owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. shared thoughtful predictions about Zilisch’s rookie year. Earnhardt Jr. believes the young driver will spend most races in the midfield due to Trackhouse Racing’s variable pace and car performance. While Zilisch joins at a time when the team has experienced both flashes of greatness and puzzling setbacks, Earnhardt Jr. sees these challenges as formative for the 2026 season.
“I think he’ll be midpack a lot… Trackhouse has this sort of hot and cold vibe. They run the 600 fastest car there by far and then disappear for a while. We’ll see you in a month.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., via Dale Jr. Download
The observation highlights the unpredictability of Trackhouse, where one weekend can feature top speed, while the next sees the team struggle to maintain form. For Zilisch, it signals a debut campaign that may require adjusting to the sport’s week-to-week changes and the demands of new machinery.
Road Courses Shine as Opportunity for Zilisch and Trackhouse
Despite his caution about overall performance, Dale Earnhardt Jr. noted that Trackhouse Racing stands out on road courses, where drivers like Suarez, Ross Chastain, and Shane van Gisbergen have won with authority. As Zilisch enters as an elite road racer, these strengths could play directly into his skill set. Surrounded by accomplished teammates and benefiting from Trackhouse’s setup expertise, Zilisch has the foundation to impress on tracks that twist and turn.
“Now they obviously have good speed at the road courses, and I think that since SVG’s there and kind of understands and is getting better at making the Next Gen car what it needs to be.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., via Dale Jr. Download
With Zilisch’s talent on full display in past races, Earnhardt Jr. suggests the new rookie has what it takes to match Shane van Gisbergen’s remarkable success at this type of circuit. There is a quiet confidence that Trackhouse Chevrolet could become a force, especially with a lineup boasting proven road course acumen.
“Connor, then, too, can start to improve on the car. So, wouldn’t be surprised if Connor battles for a win at a road course. I think that’s not stepping out of bounds. But everywhere else, he’s learning an entirely new car.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., via Dale Jr. Download
Such remarks point to realistic expectations: learning curves everywhere else, but possible fireworks on road courses. Zilisch’s ability to adapt may well be demonstrated most dramatically at these events, and any early success on technical layouts will only add momentum to his campaign.
Denny Hamlin Backs Zilisch for Instant Cup Series Impact
The excitement around Zilisch goes beyond JR Motorsports. On the Actions Detrimental podcast, Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin offered high praise, asserting that Zilisch is more than ready for the Cup challenge. According to Hamlin, the young driver has conquered the Xfinity Series and enters the top tier ahead of schedule compared to many established talents.
“Well, he’s certainly ready (to compete in the Cup Series). I don’t think he has anything more to prove in the Xfinity series, which is why he’s getting the call up to Cup, but it’s a tall fence. He’s far ahead of where I was at that point. So yeah, I think that he’s certainly ready. He’s going to be competitive. Certainly, a playoff contender.”
—Denny Hamlin
Hamlin expects Zilisch to contend for playoff spots as a rookie, a rare endorsement from a respected competitor who has witnessed many drivers try and fail to make an instant impact. This strong confidence is rooted in Zilisch’s rapid rise through the ranks and measured approach under pressure, qualities reminiscent of Hamlin’s own early career.
Expectations Versus Reality: How Will Zilisch Stack Up?
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series campaign will serve as a proving ground for both Zilisch personally and Trackhouse Racing as a whole. Key questions remain—how will Zilisch perform on ovals while acclimating to a new car, and can he elevate his squad to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Shane van Gisbergen, especially on challenging tracks? The spotlight will certainly be on him to determine whether he can be the difference-maker Trackhouse Racing and Chevrolet seek in their lineup.
Veteran voices like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Denny Hamlin signal both skepticism and optimism, shaping the narrative as fans and industry insiders watch closely. Zilisch’s rookie season will be a blend of adaptation, moments of brilliance, and learning from setbacks, all while aiming for a milestone road course win like that of his Kiwi teammate van Gisbergen.
As the countdown continues to his Cup Series debut, Zilisch’s journey will capture the attention of racing enthusiasts everywhere. Whether he becomes just a “midfield driver” or surprises with playoff runs and headline-grabbing victories, his arrival promises high emotion and plenty of storylines for the NASCAR world to follow.
