Excitement is growing in the motorsports world as Connor Zilisch Indy 500 plans gain momentum, following Trackhouse Racing‘s recent hints about expanding into open-wheel racing. The prospect of Zilisch, who recently joined Trackhouse alongside Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen, competing in the iconic Indianapolis 500 has sparked passionate reactions from fans and experts alike.
Connor Zilisch, only 19, has already become a standout name in stock car racing after a stellar 2025 Xfinity season. His rapid journey from go-kart circuits to NASCAR’s biggest stage reached a new milestone with his move to Trackhouse Racing for the 2026 season. Zilisch expressed his pride at the time, stating,
“Have my name next to the word ‘Cup Series’ is really cool,”
— Connor Zilisch, Driver. This move paired him with motorsport talents like Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen, cementing Trackhouse Racing’s reputation as an ambitious, innovative organization.
Trackhouse Racing Eyes the Indy 500 for Zilisch’s Future
Team owner Justin Marks and the Trackhouse Entertainment Group have made it clear they want to position themselves as global contenders, much like Ferrari in the world of racing. Marks recently announced to the Sports Business Journal that Trackhouse is seriously considering entering Zilisch in a future Indianapolis 500, though it will not happen immediately. Marks shared,
“It’s not a secret that I would like our company to race the Indy 500,”
— Justin Marks, Team Owner. He further emphasized,
“It’s got to be done the right way. I would like to do ‘The Double,’”
— Justin Marks, Team Owner.
The “Double” refers to the rare feat of competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day—something only five drivers in history have attempted. Tony Stewart remains the only person to have completed every mile of both races in a single day, and Kyle Larson’s recent efforts in 2024 and 2025, though valiant, fell short due to weather and scheduling chaos.
While the ambition is high, Marks insists the team will allow Zilisch to focus on his rookie Cup Series year first and not rush the challenge of Indy. He reiterated,
“It’s dramatic and it’s risky and it can be a little uncomfortable with the timing and all that kind of stuff…I certainly don’t want to do it in his rookie year,”
— Justin Marks, Team Owner. According to Marks, the earliest likely shot at the Indy 500 for Zilisch would be 2027, with Trackhouse potentially partnering with leading Chevrolet-backed IndyCar names like Arrow McLaren, Team Penske, or Ed Carpenter Racing.
Zilisch has been open about his own Indy 500 dreams, saying,
“I would love to race in the Indianapolis 500. I grew up watching that race on TV, and in my opinion, it’s the biggest race in the world, and as a race car driver, you want to win those races,”
— Connor Zilisch, Driver. The synergy of the young driver’s hunger and Marks’ vision has elevated Trackhouse from simply another NASCAR team to a brand aiming to leave a lasting mark across all of motorsports.
Industry watchers like Adam Stern have added their voices to the story, reporting,
“Trackhouse Entertainment Group is interested in entering phenom driver @ConnorZilisch into a future Indy 500, but next year is likely off the table to give the rookie time to get adjusted to his full-time job in NASCAR’s premier series, per Justin Marks. https://t.co/SmQ67pEATo”
— Adam Stern, Reporter. The patience being exercised is becoming an integral part of Trackhouse’s strategic, long-term approach.
In addition to potential IndyCar collaborations, Marks underlined that Zilisch brings intelligence, adaptability, and courage—a rare trio he believes is needed to become NASCAR’s next mainstream superstar. These qualities, paired with Trackhouse’s broadening ambitions, have energized the community and fueled speculation about what comes next for both the team and its drivers.
Fan Reactions Highlight Trackhouse’s Expanding Reputation
The announcement of possible Connor Zilisch Indy 500 plans has electrified the racing fanbase. On social platforms, Trackhouse supporters have called for innovative driver lineups and new competitive adventures. One fan commented,
“Put him in at all the big road-course events, he and Shane van Gisbergen can take on the world.”
Zilisch’s proven success at road courses like Circuit of the Americas, Sonoma, and Watkins Glen International is fueling the belief that he could shine in crossover events.
While excitement is high, some fans expressed skepticism about the timing of Trackhouse’s announcements. As one pointed out,
“It comes as no surprise that Justin Marks has tried his best to hi-jack Kyle Larson’s time in the spotlight. TrackHouse has flooded socials with crew chief announcements and Indy 500 announcements…all day long, on the day after Kyle Larson’s Nascar Cup Series Championship.”
Larson had just secured his second Cup Championship, which added a layer of drama to the conversation around Trackhouse’s aggressive media strategy.
Other voices in the NASCAR community have celebrated Trackhouse’s willingness to venture beyond the traditional limits of stock car racing, emphasizing their commitment to motorsports as a whole. A passionate supporter explained,
“Things like this and their entry in the Rolex 24 last year are why I love Trackhouse. They just love motorsports!”
Trackhouse Racing has already put its stamp on endurance racing by joining forces with TF Sport and competing in the 2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona with a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R. This effort, featuring stars Shane van Gisbergen, Scott McLaughlin, Ben Keating, and Zilisch, resulted in a credible showing in the GTD PRO class.
With excitement swirling, calls have surged for an all-star Trackhouse entry in future events. One fan urged,
“We need a @TeamTrackhouse #Daytona24Hours team with Connor, SVG, Ross & @JustinMarksTH.”
The roster of potential talent, combined with the rigorous challenge of races like the Daytona 24, aligns with Trackhouse’s expanding aspirations and bolsters their reputation as leaders in modern motorsports innovation.
Ultimately, Trackhouse’s approach—whether through Zilisch’s journey toward the Indy 500, their foray into the Rolex 24, or their relentless pursuit of new challenges—is reshaping what it means to be a competitive motorsports organization in the 21st century. Each bold move is met by an equally passionate response from fans, who continue to cheer on the next chapter in Trackhouse and Zilisch’s evolving story.
Looking ahead, industry insiders and loyal supporters are keenly watching the unfolding developments. The possibility of Connor Zilisch attempting “The Double,” and the expansion of Trackhouse into the Indianapolis 500, represents more than just a career milestone. It signals a new era where boundaries between racing disciplines blur, and where fresh faces like Zilisch have the opportunity to chase racing’s most daunting legends. With Marks’ patient leadership, partnerships with Chevrolet-aligned teams like Arrow McLaren or Ed Carpenter Racing, and Zilisch’s unrelenting drive, the motorsports scene is certain to remain energized for seasons to come.
Trackhouse Entertainment Group is interested in entering phenom driver @ConnorZilisch into a future Indy 500, but next year is likely off the table to give the rookie time to get adjusted to his full-time job in NASCAR’s premier series, per Justin Marks. https://t.co/SmQ67pEATo
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) November 3, 2025
