Connor Zilisch NASCAR rookie 2026 is set to make a high-profile entrance into NASCAR’s Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing in 2026, following a standout run in both the Xfinity and Cup Series. The 19-year-old from North Carolina has attracted significant attention for his rapid success and broken records, establishing himself as one of the sport’s most watched emerging talents.
An Exceptional Rise Through the Ranks
Zilisch began capturing the spotlight during his 2024 debut in the Xfinity Series, racing for JR Motorsports, the team co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. In his first race at Watkins Glen, he surprised the field by taking the checkered flag—a rare feat for a newcomer. Over the next three events, he secured two additional top-five finishes and a twelfth-place result, quickly proving his ability to compete at a high level.
Building on this momentum, Zilisch was signed as a full-time driver for JR Motorsports in the 2025 season, piloting the #88 Chevy. During the 2025 Xfinity Series, he delivered a dominant performance: amassing ten wins, finishing in the top ten in 23 races, and notching twenty top-five results with eight pole positions out of 32 starts. Leading over 1,000 laps and maintaining an average starting position inside the top seven, he demonstrated consistent front-running speed.
Progression to the Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing
Alongside his commitments in the Xfinity Series, Zilisch also participated on a part-time basis in the Cup Series for Trackhouse Racing, driving the #87 Chevy Camaro ZL1. In three starts, he managed his best Cup result—a strong eleventh-place finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway, an early indication of his readiness for the full-time jump.
In July 2025, Trackhouse Racing made the decision to part ways with Daniel Suarez, finally announcing Zilisch as his replacement for the 2026 Cup Series season. As a full-time rookie, Zilisch will join teammates Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen, piloting the #88 Chevy Camaro ZL1. Both Zilisch and Gisbergen will carry primary sponsorship from Red Bull for 25 of the scheduled Cup races, highlighting the significant confidence placed in these drivers by both team and sponsor.
Breaking a Four-Decade NASCAR Record
Zilisch made headlines in the 2025 Xfinity season when he rewrote NASCAR history with JR Motorsports, overtaking a 41-year-old performance benchmark previously set by Sam Ard. Ard’s record of 15 consecutive top-five finishes in a single season was eclipsed by Zilisch at Kansas Speedway. He continued this impressive streak with a sixteenth consecutive top-five, claiming second place at Atlanta Motor Speedway and officially surpassing Ard’s long-standing record.
“Connor Zilisch has now scored a top five in 16 CONSECUTIVE NASCAR Xfinity Series races, surpassing Sam Ard’s 41 year old record to be the longest in Series history.”
—NASCAR’s Official Insight Page
Balancing Multiple Series in 2026
As Zilisch heads into his highly anticipated rookie year in the 2026 Cup Series, he will also compete in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with JR Motorsports. Driving the #1 Chevy alongside Carson Kvapil and guided by veteran crew chief Rodney Childers, Zilisch’s schedule reflects his growing profile and the trust placed in his evolving talent.
Anticipation Builds for NASCAR’s Next Big Name
The rise of Connor Zilisch signals a fresh chapter for NASCAR, as fans and competitors alike look ahead to his debut as the most anticipated rookie of the 2026 Cup Series. With exceptional statistics, a broken record, and the support of Trackhouse Racing, Red Bull, and JR Motorsports, Zilisch stands at the forefront of the sport’s next generation, ready to leave his mark at the highest level of stock car racing.
