Connor Zilisch NASCAR future has become a central topic in the motorsports world, especially as the young driver’s recent success and revealing comments have triggered speculation about a potential Formula One testing opportunity abroad. The 19-year-old JR Motorsports talent secured his spot in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship 4 at Las Vegas, but attention quickly shifted after he unexpectedly shared details that could alter the trajectory of his racing career.
Zilisch’s Cup Series Promotion and Surprising Admission
On July 19, 2025, at Dover Motor Speedway in Delaware, Connor Zilisch stood poised on pit road before the BetRivers 200, representing the next generation of NASCAR drivers ready to leave their mark. Zilisch, currently with JR Motorsports, demonstrated his determination by clinching a place in the season-ending Championship 4 and making it clear that he was focused on adding a title to his name in the Phoenix showdown just one day later.
The headlines took an unexpected turn during a press conference, where Zilisch accidentally disclosed a key change for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series: Stefan Parsons, recognized for his roles as a part-time driver and spotter, would serve as his spotter for Trackhouse Racing next year. While Parsons had previously overseen the No. 7 Spire Motorsports car in the Cup Series, this partnership was set to signal a new chapter for both men. Yet the most intriguing development wasn’t the spotter change.
According to Bob Pockrass, a respected NASCAR reporter, Zilisch mentioned to another source that he would be in a car
“next week and not in this country,”
though he withheld details on both the type of car and the exact location. This cryptic comment quickly set off a storm of speculation across social media channels and fan forums, fueling rumors that his next test might occur far from American racetracks and could involve a Formula One machine.
Background: Zilisch’s Early Success and Global Ties
Zilisch’s path to the NASCAR spotlight has been shaped by a global motorsports upbringing. By age five, he was already active in the karting world, and he spent ten years honing his craft in international karting competitions. At just 11 years old, he traveled to Italy and emerged victorious in the 2017 Mini ROK World Championship, outshining over 160 drivers from 33 nations. Backed by connections to Red Bull, Zilisch’s foundation gave him impressive credentials and opportunities stretching beyond traditional American racing circuits.
Now, with confirmation of his Cup Series seat for Trackhouse Racing in 2026, and Cadillac’s entry as F1’s 11th team, the timing for a possible crossover appears opportune. Veteran driver Valtteri Bottas is set to join Cadillac, and Sergio Perez, another prominent F1 name, is also part of the unfolding narrative. While reserve drivers have not been revealed, industry insiders and fans are debating whether Zilisch could be considered for one of those backup positions in Formula One.
Inside Zilisch’s Formula One Ambitions
Connor Zilisch has not shied away from his interest in open-wheel racing. On Corey LaJoie’s “Stacking Pennies” podcast, Zilisch spoke openly about his childhood dream of competing in Formula One and his lifelong admiration for European racing circuits:
It’s always in the back of my mind. Growing up, it was my dream; I wanted to race in F1. I went to Europe when I was a kid, racing go-karts; it’s what I wanted to do. It’s just that when I was younger, I didn’t really have the chance. Now with an American team [Cadillac] being brought to F1, having connections with Red Bull and being kinda tied in there, I’d say the chances aren’t zero.
—Connor Zilisch, JR Motorsports driver
This candid declaration only increased the anticipation surrounding his next steps. On the same podcast, Zilisch outlined what it would involve to shift from NASCAR to F1, focusing on the regulation-heavy requirements for an FIA Super License:
If it were to happen, I’d have to go over there for at least a year, two years probably, to even get enough Super License points to qualify. I’d run F3… I’d just run a bunch of BS series to get Super License points. Middle East F3, random things that you can do to get the points. That’s why it would be such a big commitment. I’d want to get settled in here first and know that if I go over there for two years, I could come back and still have a job.
—Connor Zilisch, JR Motorsports driver
His measured approach shows awareness of the obstacles involved in switching motorsports disciplines, but also highlights his openness to embracing a significant challenge if the timing is right.
Current NASCAR Achievements and Rising Expectations
Even as F1 rumors swirl, Zilisch’s current performance in NASCAR cannot be overlooked. The rookie has notched up a remarkable 10 wins in his Xfinity Series campaign, secured eight pole positions, and maintained an impressive average finish of 8.2 over 31 races, statistics that analysts describe as historically dominant for such a young competitor. At just 19, Zilisch’s racing prowess has won him many admirers alongside cautious observers.
Dale Jr., himself a respected veteran and mentor in the NASCAR community, observed that while Zilisch has shown sheer speed and consistency, he would still face tough competition at the Phoenix finale, especially from seasoned drivers like Justin Allgaier. The championship’s outcome will not just affect Zilisch’s reputation in stock cars, but could also impact the trajectory of his future endeavors should international teams take note of his success.
Fans Stir Rumors After Zilisch’s Travel Disclosure
After Zilisch’s remark about testing abroad, fans and online commentators immediately began dissecting the possibilities and theorizing about the true nature of his upcoming trip. Some connected his Red Bull ties and international experience directly to the world of Formula One:
F1 test session. It’s been rumored before—basically, one of those they put on their YouTube channel at Red Bull. Put him in the RB6 for a few laps. That’s my guess.
—Fan
This theory resonates with how Formula One teams often use older specification cars, like the Red Bull RB6, for promotional laps that fall outside the strict FIA race calendar requirements. These sessions do not require a formal Super License, providing a plausible entry point for drivers like Zilisch to get real F1 experience.
Others looked beyond Formula One, considering a broader range of international motorsports options and the implications for Zilisch’s career longevity in NASCAR itself:
Does anyone get the sense Connor won’t be with us in NASCAR for long? I feel like he’s gonna be awesome in the Cup Series and then F1 will come knocking.
—Fan
This reflects a belief among many supporters that Zilisch’s versatility could open doors far beyond his current discipline.
Some offered more specific, technical speculation, pondering the exact location and regulatory context of any upcoming test:
It would be a private session in Europe at either Silverstone or the Red Bull Ring. Not anything to do with this week’s race.
—Fan
Does he get any for IMSA?
—Fan
These comments acknowledged tracks such as Silverstone in the UK or Red Bull Ring in Austria as probable venues, aligning with where teams like Red Bull historically conduct private and demonstration runs. Fans also questioned whether Zilisch’s experience in IMSA or securing an Xfinity title could expedite his path to meeting the FIA’s strict Super License points requirement for F1 participation.
One supporter shared a particularly thorough understanding of the regulations, stating:
15 points needed to partake in a Free practice test session (40 for races). He currently has 3 karting points over the last 5 years, as opposed to the 3. If he wins the tile this weekend, it will add 10. ARCA does not give points, nor does the CARS Tour/Mazda MX-5. However, this can all be avoided if they do a TPC(Testing of Previous Car) or have a ‘Filming day’… Considering Gene Haas drove a car this year at Goodwood, I don’t think it would be an issue.
—Fan
The detailed breakdown underscored how testing exemptions or demo runs could allow Zilisch to gain F1 seat time without going through the entire Super License points gauntlet.
Skeptical voices reminded the community of Formula One’s scheduling realities, pointing out that a formal F1 practice session during an active race weekend was virtually impossible given current constraints:
Sprint weekend. No way in hell is any team giving up the only FP session for the driver.
—Fan
This highlighted the unlikelihood of Zilisch testing during a competitive F1 race week, steering the conversation toward a potential private or promotional outing instead.
Industry Interest and the Road Ahead
The intense interest surrounding Connor Zilisch’s next steps extends beyond just fans. Industry observers and sports analysts are examining his trajectory closely, as his apparent blend of American stock car dominance and international racing ambition could signal the arrival of a rare, multidimensional motorsports talent. With Trackhouse Racing’s expanding international footprint and Cadillac’s entry into Formula One, opportunities for crossovers and shared talent pools appear more plausible than at any point in recent NASCAR history.
While Zilisch’s focus remains on the immediate Xfinity Series title battle, his accidental revelation about heading abroad to test means he will be watched closely by NASCAR loyalists and F1 scouts alike. Should he perform well—whether in a secret F1 test session, an international endurance race, or a high-profile promotional run—such exposure could fast-track a NASCAR driver’s transition to the global stage, reviving comparisons to historic crossover icons.
In the weeks ahead, all eyes will be on Zilisch as he seeks both to cap his Xfinity campaign in victorious fashion and to decode what his secret overseas test might mean for his future. The Connor Zilisch NASCAR future is, for now, a tantalizing blend of achievement and anticipation—not just for the driver himself, but for the entire world of motorsports watching where his journey leads next.
[Bob] Connor Zilisch did let it slip that @StefanParsons_ will spot for him next year. Also Zilisch (not in this video) said he will be in a car next week and not in this country but couldn't say what … (via u/CNASFan1992) https://t.co/AU4Q6y7uc5 https://t.co/FQRKzuY33P #NASCAR
— r/NASCAR on Reddit (@NASCARonReddit) October 30, 2025
