Connor Zilisch has dramatically altered the landscape of the Kyle Larson global racing scene in 2025, setting records and turning heads with his versatility and drive, making him a rising star to watch after a landmark rookie NASCAR Xfinity Series campaign. The 19-year-old’s whirlwind season has not only redefined expectations for young talents but has also ignited comparisons to motorsports icons, positioning Zilisch as a potential successor to legendary crossover racers such as Kyle Larson and Tony Stewart.
Connor Zilisch’s Record-Breaking NASCAR Debut and International Ambitions
In 2025, Zilisch accomplished feats rarely seen in stock car racing, securing 10 wins and an unprecedented 18 straight top-5 finishes in a single Xfinity Series season—his first in the series. These results clinched the Regular Season Championship and the Sunoco Rookie of the Year award, confirming his pedigree within NASCAR circles. At the Phoenix Raceway’s Championship 4 showdown, Zilisch finished third, yet his consistent speed throughout the year ensured an elevation to the Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing for 2026.
Yet, it is Zilisch’s drive to compete beyond NASCAR’s boundaries that truly sets him apart. After capturing an LMP2 class victory at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2024 at just 17, he faced choices between high-profile events such as the prestigious Rolex 24 and the gritty Chili Bowl Nationals dirt midget race. His international ambitions almost saw him enter Australia’s Adelaide 500 Supercars event, but Chevrolet and General Motors advisers vetoed the plan amid team strategy shifts. Zilisch narrowly missed a Cadillac Hypercar test in Bahrain, falling two points short on his Xfinity finish for the FIA Grade A licence required for a WEC prototype debut.
Nevertheless, his pursuit continues. Zilisch’s upcoming test with Action Express Racing, piloting the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R for IMSA’s GTP prototype class at Daytona this November, marks a significant step. This opportunity places him directly on track for a premier class Rolex 24 drive and further cements his aspirations to master multiple racing formats.
We need to appreciate what this kid is trying to do while it lasts.Had to decide between the Chili Bowl or Rolex 24 this year.Was ready to enter the Adelaide 500 before Chevy said no.Testing a hypercar.Wants to do the Indy 500.Bro will drive anything if you let him. https://t.co/IvMdEtwMjd— Nathan (@b1gnate_11) November 5, 2025
Fans and Experts Embrace Zilisch’s Transformative Impact
The widespread reaction from both NASCAR fans and the motorsport community has elevated Zilisch’s profile far beyond just on-track results. The racing culture recognizes in him the familiar blend of tenacity, grit, and versatility that defined multi-discipline drivers like Tony Stewart, who famously conquered both the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 in a single day. In the contemporary era, Kyle Larson epitomizes cross-series excellence, but Zilisch’s willingness to transition from NASCAR ovals to IMSA prototypes and late model stock cars highlights his distinctive mindset.
Observers and fans see Zilisch as more than a prodigy; they view him as the standard-bearer for a new generation willing to challenge convention. His readiness to drive in disciplines ranging from asphalt circuit racing to prestigious dirt track events, and ambitions that extend as far as competing in the Indy 500, reinforce this reputation. His competitive approach and fearlessness have attracted a global audience, with many feeling he could soon surpass even the likes of Max Verstappen and Kyle Larson on the world stage.
You know what I want to see? A Red Bull backed Nurburgring 24 entry with him, Kalle Rovanperä and Max Verstappen.
And he’ll legitimately probably be quick in it. The kid’s ridiculous. The Max Verstappen vs. Kyle Larson debate won’t be an issue pretty soon cause Connor will be the best in the world.
Luckily he’s got the support of the right people and sponsors to make it all happen.
Why would chevy tell him no.
That sounds like a guy I’ve heard of…he did a couple of things…umm…some Stewart guy?
Sponsorship and Team Support Shape Zilisch’s Ascension
Zilisch’s path is also buoyed by robust support structures. Having joined the Trackhouse Racing developmental program in 2024, he parlayed that relationship into a sophomore leap with JRM in the Xfinity Series. The strength of his results, combined with his adaptability, attracted sponsorship from major brands such as WeatherTech and, notably, Red Bull. The latter aligns him with Kalle Rovanperä and Max Verstappen, making dream joint entries at endurance events like the Nürburgring 24 a realistic possibility.
The support from his team and backers has proven crucial, empowering Zilisch to pursue high-level opportunities across continents and racing disciplines. Yet, logistical and organizational hurdles remain, as illustrated by his denied entry to the Adelaide 500 when shifting manufacturer allegiances complicated Chevrolet’s participation and available cars in Australia. Despite this, Zilisch’s readiness to seek new challenges and overcome setbacks has resonated strongly with fans and insiders alike.
Comparisons to Tony Stewart and Kyle Larson Emerge
The racing world has begun drawing direct comparisons between Zilisch and some of the sport’s most celebrated cross-discipline drivers. Comments likening him to Tony Stewart—who remains the only driver to claim championships in both the IndyCar and NASCAR Cup Series, and who performed the legendary dual 1,100-mile races in a single day—highlight the magnitude of Zilisch’s potential path. Kyle Larson, with his high-profile ventures from Cup cars to sprint and midget cars and his 2024 Indy 500 attempt, serves as the current benchmark for all-around racing talent. Yet, as Zilisch’s fan base grows, so does the belief that he could set the next standard for global crossover success.
Zilisch’s early career offered clues to his future, marked by triumphs such as the CIK-FIA Academy Trophy victory in karting and a championship campaign in the Trans-Am TA2 Series. These accomplishments provided the foundational skills to adapt quickly to any arena—an ability now being put on full display in North America’s most competitive series.
A Shift in the Global Racing Landscape
The presence of Connor Zilisch on the Kyle Larson global racing scene signals a broader shift in motorsport’s openness to cross-competition and international visibility. By attracting blue-chip sponsors, engaging committed fans, and pursuing the highest levels of endurance, stock car, and open-wheel racing, Zilisch represents a generation unbound by traditional career paths. His impact is seen in the excitement of seasoned observers, the strategic investments of teams like Trackhouse Racing, the ambitions voiced by partners like Red Bull, and the growing chorus comparing him to multi-title legends such as Stewart and Larson.
As Zilisch continues to seize new opportunities—both within North American mainstays like IMSA and NASCAR, and in international events such as the Nürburgring 24 or a potential Indianapolis 500 start—the anticipation and intensity surrounding his ascent only increase. Whether facing regulatory hurdles or manufacturer politics, his perseverance and adaptability are setting a template for future stars. In an era where versatility defines greatness, the emergence of Zilisch has left fans and rivals wondering how high this young talent can climb, and how his influence may redefine crossover racing’s global future.
We need to appreciate what this kid is trying to do while it lasts.
Had to decide between the Chili Bowl or Rolex 24 this year.
Was ready to enter the Adelaide 500 before Chevy said no.
Testing a hypercar.
Wants to do the Indy 500.
Bro will drive anything if you let him. https://t.co/IvMdEtwMjd
— Nathan (@b1gnate_11) November 5, 2025
