Connor Zilisch’s NASCAR journey has drawn widespread attention due to his impressive rookie season with JR Motorsports, capturing ten victories in just 28 starts. As comparisons to Max Verstappen’s meteoric rise in Formula 1 circulate, Zilisch openly acknowledges the differences, highlighting that his path to the NASCAR Cup Series brings unique challenges not present in F1.
This weekend, at the Round of 8 opener at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Zilisch enters with a 57-point lead in the Xfinity Series standings—evidence of both his skill and consistency during an outstanding campaign. The 19-year-old has captured both fans’ and analysts’ attention as he prepares for the next steps in his rapidly ascending career.
Comparing Early Career Paths: NASCAR Versus Formula 1
Connor Zilisch, who is slated to replace Daniel Suarez at Trackhouse Racing for the 2026 season, has addressed the inevitable comparisons between himself and F1 star Max Verstappen. In an interview with CBS Sports’ Steve Taranto, Zilisch explained that although Verstappen’s transition from the junior ranks to Formula 1 at just 17 years old was extraordinary, the move up the NASCAR ladder presents its own set of complexities.
“Obviously, Max Verstappen is a once-in-a-generation talent and it’s hard to say, ‘I’m going to be like him’ and have as successful a jump to the highest level as he did,”
said Zilisch. —Connor Zilisch, JR Motorsports driver
He further commented on the differences between racing disciplines, noting the relationship between driver progression and vehicle characteristics.
“I know the jump to the Cup Series is nothing easy, and it’s going to be tough no matter what and no matter who you are. I feel that just the way he was brought up, it might be a little bit easier for him, and especially in F1, with how car-dependent it is. I feel it’s easier to rise to the occasion.”
—Connor Zilisch, JR Motorsports driver
Technical and Developmental Gaps Create Challenges
Making the leap from the Xfinity Series to the Cup Series is far from straightforward. The Next Gen Cup Series car is dramatically different from the Gen 6 models used in Xfinity, featuring increased downforce, a powerful 647-horsepower engine, single-lug wheels, and a sequential transmission. These technical changes mean Cup Series cars are less forgiving, demanding quicker adaptation and greater precision from drivers.
Zilisch pointed out how the feeder series structure differs between motorsport disciplines, using his experience and perspective to elaborate:
“I feel like it’s just a little bit tougher, and it’s a much different jump. Racing open wheel you kind of know what you want out of the car, and the cars are all very similar. They just all have a lot more downforce and go faster, and every step up is kind of like that. It’s consistent.”
—Connor Zilisch, JR Motorsports driver
He continued,
“In NASCAR I feel like, when you go from Xfinity to Cup, the car completely changes… So I think it is going to be a bit of a harder jump than maybe a guy like Max Verstappen going F1, but it’s definitely possible.”
—Connor Zilisch, JR Motorsports driver
While both the NASCAR Xfinity Series and Formula 2 are designed as developmental stepping stones to their respective top divisions, the contrast in machinery and driving dynamics makes the jump in NASCAR uniquely challenging—for Zilisch and his contemporaries.
Learning from The Champions Who Came Before
Zilisch remains optimistic despite acknowledging the historical struggles of drivers moving up to the Cup Series. Recent champions Ty Gibbs, Austin Cindric, Cole Custer, and Daniel Suarez all won Xfinity titles before facing a stern learning curve at the highest level of stock car racing. Zilisch looks to Verstappen’s success as inspiration but is aware that every driving discipline requires its own methods of adaptation.
“I get confidence from a guy like him (Max Verstappen) who was able to do it at my age. I feel like there have been guys in the past who’ve made the jump and really struggled, but I just hope that I’m able to kind of adapt quicker and I feel like my background and all the different cars help with that transition.”
—Connor Zilisch, JR Motorsports driver
Zilisch’s racing resume already stands out. Before his arrival in NASCAR, he achieved class victories at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring, key events within the IMSA SportsCar Championship. His diverse background in road racing is seen as an asset as he prepares for full-time Cup Series competition.
Looking Toward the Future: Expectations and Outlook
Although Zilisch has made three Cup Series starts in the current season, twice finishing outside the top 20, his rookie run with JR Motorsports demonstrates talent and resilience. The gap between the Xfinity Series and Cup remains substantial, yet Zilisch embraces the challenge with optimism, buoyed by his experience in various forms of motorsport and his determination to adapt.
With his pending move to replace Daniel Suarez at Trackhouse Racing in 2026, all eyes will remain on Zilisch as he writes a fresh chapter in the history of young NASCAR stars. While his journey may differ significantly from Max Verstappen’s, Zilisch’s positive attitude, strong results, and willingness to learn from the past keep him firmly on the radar as a future Cup Series contender. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to watch how the “Connor Zilisch NASCAR journey” unfolds on the sport’s biggest stage.
In earning a Cup ride at 19, Connor Zilisch has drawn direct comparisons to F1's Max Verstappen, who likewise made it to the highest level as a teenager and succeeded. I recently asked Zilisch about that comparison, especially given his background in open wheel.
Zilisch noted… pic.twitter.com/KSFdxy80ud
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) October 10, 2025
