In a celebratory moment marking the end of his standout rookie year, Connor Zilisch closed out his NASCAR Xfinity Series campaign with a memorable holiday gathering, drawing much of the JR Motorsports crew to his home. The team not only toasted a season filled with highlights but also surprised the young driver with a unique keepsake, underscoring Zilisch’s NASCAR season highlights and leaving a lasting impact on everyone present.
JR Motorsports Surprises Zilisch With Unforgettable Present
As Christmas neared, Connor Zilisch welcomed most of the JR Motorsports team to his house for a festive get-together after an intense NASCAR season. During the gathering, the team presented him with a special memento—a piece of his No. 88 JRM Chevrolet, the car that powered his remarkable first Xfinity season. This heartfelt gesture was celebrated by his father, Jim Zilisch, who shared images and his gratitude on social media.
“Some memories will stick with you for a lifetime. Our season with this @JRMotorsports team will never fade. Hard to put into words how special it was. Had most of the team over tonight for some post-season fun & they brough the best gift ever which is no surprise knowing them,” Jim, Connor Zilisch’s father
This thoughtful gift captured the deep bond formed over their journey together and the exceptional achievements of the young racing phenom, who concluded his rookie year with an extraordinary haul of 10 wins and a second-place finish in the points standings.
Zilisch Prepares for Cup Series Elevation
Fresh off his impressive run with JR Motorsports, Connor Zilisch is gearing up for the next big chapter in his career as he prepares to race in the Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing, stepping in for Daniel Suarez. Zilisch openly expressed his excitement about the promotion, describing it as a lifelong dream realized.
“I knew the whole world knew already, but still to be able to say it and have my name next to the word ‘Cup Series’ is really cool,” Zilisch said in a statement. “So, I wasn’t going to try and hide from it, but it’s just a day that I’ve been dreaming of for a long time and I’m not going to let that kind of the idea that everybody already knows take away from the moment.”
While Zilisch prepares for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, Daniel Suarez transitions to Spire Motorsports, where he will drive the No. 7 Chevy Camaro ZL1 starting in 2026. Suarez’s move comes with Freeway Insurance as the main sponsor, and his new journey is set to begin at the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1, 2026.
Zilisch’s Red Bull Chevy Among Top Die-Cast Cars for 2025
Reinforcing his rising star status, Connor Zilisch’s Red Bull Chevrolet secured the number eight spot on Lionel Racing’s list of best-selling die-cast cars for 2025. Howard Hitchcock, CEO of Lionel Racing, emphasized the significance of this achievement, highlighting the diverse fanbase attracted to Zilisch and other top NASCAR personalities.
“These best-sellers reflect the incredible diversity of NASCAR fandom – from legendary names like Dale Earnhardt Jr. to rising stars like Connor Zilisch,” Lionel Racing CEO, Howard Hitchcock
Notably, the list was dominated by JR Motorsports, with the organization occupying the top three spots: Justin Allgaier’s Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet led the pack, followed by team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Budweiser Speedway Classic Late Model Chevrolet, and another Allgaier car in third. This underscores the strong popularity JR Motorsports and its drivers enjoy among NASCAR fans and collectors.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season and Beyond
With a Cup Series debut ahead and a rapidly expanding profile, Connor Zilisch is poised to make more headlines next season, as the crown jewel 58th Daytona 500 marks a fresh start on February 15, 2026. Viewers can watch the Daytona 500 broadcast live on FOX Sports at 2:30 pm ET or tune in to radio coverage on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
As the anticipation builds, Zilisch’s journey from Xfinity Series standout to Cup Series newcomer reflects not only personal triumph but also the dynamic future of NASCAR competition, with teams like JR Motorsports, Trackhouse Racing, and Spire Motorsports all playing pivotal roles in the sport’s evolving landscape.
Some memories will stick with you for a lifetime. Our season with this @JRMotorsports team will never fade. Hard to put into words how special it was. Had most of the team over tonight for some post-season fun & they brough the best gift ever which is no surprise knowing them. pic.twitter.com/GVqusOCtOI
— Jim Zilisch (@jzilisch1) December 16, 2025
