Connor Zilisch is set to make his debut in the NASCAR Truck Series Roval race at Charlotte for Spire Motorsports, adding another major challenge to his schedule as he looks to make his mark in both the trucks and Xfinity Series. The highly anticipated Connor Zilisch NASCAR Roval race will take place during a weekend packed with playoff action across all three national series, showcasing the best of oval and road course racing at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Zilisch Joins Spire Motorsports for Roval Truck Series Entry
For the first time, Connor Zilisch will compete at the unique Roval configuration, a demanding course that combines elements of the oval track with a technical infield road section. While Zilisch has not previously run at this venue, his combination of road course prowess and growing success on ovals positions him as a strong contender for the event. Recognizing his potential, Spire Motorsports has confirmed that Zilisch will drive the No. 7 Delaware Life Chevrolet Silverado RST in the Truck Series race at Charlotte.
“Putting a winner in the truck. @ConnorZilisch will pilot our No. 7 Delaware Life Chevrolet Silverado RST at the Charlotte ROVAL! pic.twitter.com/pBMAllHhWf”
— Spire Motorsports, Team
This weekend marks another chance for Zilisch to compete at the highest level, and the anticipation is heightened by his upcoming head-to-head battle with Corey Heim, one of the Truck Series’ standout drivers. With the Truck Series running at the Roval for the first time, the matchup between Zilisch and Heim is expected to be one of the highlights of the playoff weekend.
Zilisch’s Focus on Xfinity Playoffs and On-Track Challenges
While the Truck Series Roval appearance is significant, Connor Zilisch’s primary goal remains the Xfinity Series championship. He is set to race in Kansas this weekend before heading to the Roval, which will be pivotal as it serves as an elimination round for the Xfinity Series playoff field. The pressure is high for Zilisch, as he aims to secure his place further into the championship battle.
It’s worth noting that Zilisch has not yet recorded a victory in the Truck Series, having faced a series of unlucky breaks in previous starts. The Truck Series did not feature much road course racing last season, but this year’s schedule has brought new opportunities for drivers with road course expertise. For Zilisch, the Roval is a chance to finally capture that elusive first Truck Series win, which would only add to his growing reputation.
Earlier in the season, Zilisch competed for Niece Motorsports at Watkins Glen, securing an eighth-place finish in a race ultimately won by Corey Heim. Now, with Spire Motorsports offering him another shot, all eyes are on Zilisch to see if he can take the next step and challenge for victory.
Looking Ahead: Zilisch’s 2026 Cup Series Move and Partnership with Burnett
This week also brought news about Connor Zilisch’s future in the Cup Series, as his crew chief for the 2026 season was announced. The young driver will begin his Cup rookie season with Randall Burnett, who moves from Richard Childress Racing after a stint alongside Kyle Busch. Burnett is known for helping Tyler Reddick achieve a breakout year before Reddick’s move to 23XI Racing, raising hopes that he can foster similar growth with Zilisch.
The transition for Burnett follows a challenging period with Busch, leading to optimism that his experience and working style will be a strong fit for Zilisch as they tackle the demands of NASCAR’s Next Gen car together. There is considerable confidence from Trackhouse Racing and others within the industry that the partnership could deliver exceptional results, especially given Zilisch’s raw ability and growing experience.
The expectations are significant, with many around the sport anticipating that Zilisch can quickly adjust and find success, particularly on road courses where his natural talent stands out. Managing the intensity of these expectations and working effectively with Burnett will be critical for his development.
Trackhouse Racing has placed major faith in Connor Zilisch, signaling their belief in his potential as one of NASCAR’s next young stars. The broader NASCAR community is watching closely, knowing that the 19-year-old has rapidly become both a fan favorite and a crucial part of the sport’s future.
Zilisch’s Broader Role and the Implications for NASCAR
The stakes are high for both Connor Zilisch and the teams backing him. As the schedule intensifies, both the spotlight and pressure increase on the young driver to deliver breakthrough performances. His rise is seen as pivotal for NASCAR, illustrating a shifting landscape where youthful talent is expected to rapidly transition to higher levels of competition and success.
The upcoming NASCAR Roval race is more than just another step in Zilisch’s journey—it represents an opportunity for him to showcase his skills to a national audience, influence the direction of Spire Motorsports, and impact the team dynamics in both the Truck and Xfinity Series playoffs. With Randall Burnett beside him for the future and Trackhouse’s investment, the coming months will reveal how Zilisch adapts and whether he can set the stage for a memorable Cup Series debut in 2026.
Putting a winner in the truck.
@ConnorZilisch will pilot our No. 7 Delaware Life Chevrolet Silverado RST at the Charlotte ROVAL! pic.twitter.com/pBMAllHhWf— Spire Motorsports (@SpireMotorsport) September 25, 2025
