Connor Zilisch has chosen to adopt the nickname coined by Joey Logano, a memorable moment that unfolded during the recent NASCAR Autotrader 400. The playful jab arose as the Joey Logano NASCAR nickname gained traction among Trackhouse Racing teammates and fans following the Atlanta race at EchoPark Speedway.
Zilisch Reacts to Logano’s “Purple One” Moniker
During Sunday’s competition in Atlanta, coming right after Tyler Reddick’s dramatic Daytona 500 win, the focus quickly shifted to Trackhouse Racing and its young talent. Joey Logano, a veteran and three-time Cup Series champion, voiced his concerns over the radio about Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen, suggesting their aggressive style could pose risks on track. Logano referred to Zilisch—whose car featured a distinctive purple ‘Tootsies’ livery—in a way that stuck among drivers and the NASCAR audience.
Logano remarked,
“The No. 97 and the purple one, they’re like… jeez. They’re gonna crash all of us at some point.”
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Despite later being involved in a multi-car incident with Denny Hamlin, Logano continued to race and finish, proving his resilience as the narrative about Zilisch’s nickname took off across social media and paddock conversations.
Trackhouse Racing Embraces the Joke
Trackhouse Racing’s bond was showcased online when Ross Chastain invited his teammates out with a playful post, and Shane van Gisbergen, echoing Logano’s words, brought Zilisch into the exchange by using his new label. This light-hearted banter demonstrated camaraderie and reinforced the “purple one” persona.
Ross Chastain posted,
“Think a top-10 calls for a trip to @Wendys. What do you say, @shanevg97?”
—Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Driver
Van Gisbergen replied with:
“Yes I will attend. Hey @ConnorZilisch the purple one. Do you want to join?”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Driver
Zilisch joined the conversation, embracing the nickname:
“The purple one is interested in this. As long as you guys pay for me.”
—Connor Zilisch, Trackhouse Racing Driver
Mixed Starts for Zilisch as Cup Season Begins
So far, Zilisch’s Cup Series debut has been challenging. At the Daytona 500, starting from the 32nd spot, he managed to finish 33rd. At Atlanta, he began 31st and worked his way to 30th by the checkered flag. However, Zilisch’s willingness to engage with his peers and take the friendly teasing in stride has quickly made him a recognizable figure on the grid.
Strong Early Season Momentum for 23XI and Trackhouse
On the team performance front, Tyler Reddick’s victory at EchoPark Speedway highlighted 23XI Racing’s rapid improvement early in the season. Bubba Wallace, also of 23XI, led the race into overtime before dropping to eighth after being forced wide, reflecting the competitive depth of this year’s field. Meanwhile, Denny Hamlin remains cautious about celebrating too soon, even as Michael Jordan expresses excitement about the team’s prospects.
What’s Next for Zilisch and the Cup Series
With the DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas set for Sunday, March 1, Zilisch will be focused on turning his season around and delivering stronger results. The Joey Logano NASCAR nickname saga continues to inject humor and personality into the paddock as Trackhouse Racing and the wider series keep the spotlight on rising stars and the evolving team dynamics. Fans and insiders alike will watch closely to see if Zilisch can translate early attention—and his new moniker—into on-track success as the season unfolds.
