Denny Hamlin has voiced strong support for Connor Zilisch, suggesting the young driver is set to challenge Shane van Gisbergen on road courses in the Cup Series after a rough start to the season. Zilisch, following his dominant run in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, currently holds 32nd in points after three Cup races, but Hamlin believes improvement is imminent as the season continues.
Hamlin Optimistic About Zilisch’s Future Rivals
Despite Zilisch’s early struggles adjusting to the Cup Series, veteran Cup driver Denny Hamlin is confident that the 19-year-old is on the verge of breaking through. Hamlin has praised Zilisch’s racecraft and ability to adapt, specifically forecasting strong performances on road courses—an area often dominated by Shane van Gisbergen. Hamlin noted that qualifying and practice did not reflect Zilisch’s real pace, but his progress throughout each weekend points to his potential.
“He had good speed, but not great speed. But as the weekend went on, he just kept getting better and faster. So, I think that we’re going to be talking about him for definitely a handful of races here,”
said Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing driver.
Hamlin further acknowledged that young drivers typically require an adjustment period when joining top-tier racing. For Zilisch, his initial outings in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series consisted of average results, but once he settled in at Charlotte, his rise became noticeable. Hamlin believes a similar pattern may emerge as Zilisch adapts to Cup Series competition, particularly on tracks known for technical driving.
Zilisch Demonstrates Determination at COTA
This potential was evident during the recent race at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), where Zilisch placed 14th despite facing major challenges. The iconic Turn 1 at COTA is known for unsettling even the most seasoned competitors, and Zilisch endured two spins at this spot during the race. Still, he battled back to achieve a finish inside the top 15, illustrating both his resilience and driving skill against tough odds.
Zilisch reflected on his performance, stating,
“It was good. Just as a racecar driver, I’m not satisfied, but I showed I can do it,”
– Connor Zilisch, racecar driver.
Although Zilisch did not achieve the victory he aimed for, his ability to recover and secure a solid finish has gained him respect among his peers. Many in the paddock are watching to see if his first major win in the Cup Series will come on a road course, especially as he increasingly positions himself as a serious challenger to Shane van Gisbergen’s dominance.
Rising Pressure for Shane van Gisbergen
Shane van Gisbergen, who is frequently associated with strong road course performances, already faced an upset when he was bested by Tyler Reddick in the most recent contest. Now, with Zilisch’s rapid progression and Denny Hamlin’s public endorsement, van Gisbergen may find the competition intensifying on circuits where he previously held an edge. The focus keyword, Shane van Gisbergen road course, continues to be central as the rivalry takes shape, with upcoming races likely to determine if Zilisch can fulfill the lofty expectations set for him.
As the Cup Series presses on, all eyes will be on the dynamic between these drivers—especially when the schedule turns to technical road courses. With the support of seasoned competitors like Hamlin and the lessons learned from early setbacks, Zilisch appears poised to make a substantial impact, altering the balance of power among NASCAR’s newest stars and established road course specialists.
