Connor Zilisch Bio
Early Life and Background
Connor Jackson Zilisch was born on July 22, 2006, in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. He began his racing journey at the young age of five, competing in go-karts. Over the next decade, Zilisch honed his skills in karting, achieving significant milestones, including winning the Mini Rok World Championship in 2017 in Italy. His early exposure to competitive racing laid the foundation for his future endeavors in motorsports.
Zilisch’s karting career culminated in 2020 when he became the first American to win the CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy, a prestigious event that showcases young talent from around the globe. This achievement marked a significant turning point in his racing career, leading him to transition into car racing.
Path to NASCAR Cup Series
After moving up from karts, Zilisch began racing sports cars in 2021, quickly demonstrating his talent. He competed in the Spec Miata class, where he set multiple track records and earned the SCCA Jim Fitzgerald Rookie of the Year award. His success in sports cars paved the way for his entry into stock car racing, where he made his debut in the Mazda MX-5 Cup in 2022, winning four races and earning the Rookie of the Year title.
In 2024, Zilisch made headlines by winning the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring in the LMP2 class, showcasing his versatility and skill across different racing disciplines. His impressive performances led to a multi-year contract with Trackhouse Racing, where he began competing in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Connor Zilisch Career
Early Career (2011–2022)
Zilisch’s racing career began in earnest in 2011 when he started competing in go-karts. After a decade of karting, he transitioned to cars in 2021, where he quickly made a name for himself in the Spec Miata class and later in the Mazda MX-5 Cup. His early career was marked by notable achievements, including multiple wins and a reputation for strong performances in various racing series.
In 2022, Zilisch also began racing in Late Model Stock Cars, where he secured two wins at Hickory Motor Speedway. His success in these early years set the stage for his entry into higher levels of competition, including ARCA and NASCAR.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Breakthrough (2024–2025)
Zilisch made his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut in September 2024 at Watkins Glen International, where he not only won the race but also became the first driver in over three years to win in their Xfinity Series debut. In 2025, he competed full-time in the Xfinity Series for JR Motorsports, achieving ten wins and setting a record with eighteen consecutive top-five finishes.
His remarkable performance earned him the NASCAR Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year award and a spot in the championship race at Phoenix Raceway, where he finished second overall. Zilisch’s breakout season solidified his status as a rising star in NASCAR.
Trackhouse Racing Era (2025–Present)
In 2025, Zilisch signed a multi-year contract with Trackhouse Racing to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. His debut in the Cup Series came at Circuit of the Americas, where he faced challenges but continued to show promise. Throughout the season, Zilisch demonstrated resilience and skill, finishing with a best result of eleventh place at Atlanta.
As he continues to develop in the Cup Series, Zilisch’s potential is evident, and he is expected to build on his early successes in the coming years.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Zilisch is known for his aggressive driving style and strategic approach to racing. His ability to adapt to various racing conditions and his experience across multiple series contribute to his competitive edge. As a driver coach for younger competitors, he also demonstrates a commitment to the sport and a desire to help others succeed.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Zilisch’s career highlights include winning the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2024, as well as his record-setting performance in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2025. His accolades also include being named the NASCAR Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year and the Mazda MX-5 Cup Rookie of the Year.
Connor Zilisch Career Wins
Connor Zilisch has achieved notable success across various racing series, with a total of eleven wins in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and significant victories in endurance racing events.
Current NASCAR Cup Series Highlights
As of the end of the 2025 season, Zilisch is still in the early stages of his NASCAR Cup Series career, with no wins yet recorded. However, his performances have shown promise, and he is expected to continue improving as he gains more experience.
Previous NASCAR Xfinity Series Achievements
In the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, Zilisch secured ten wins and finished second in the championship standings. His record of eighteen consecutive top-five finishes is a testament to his consistency and skill throughout the season.
Connor Zilisch Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Zilisch comes from a family with a background in sports. His mother, Janice Kerr, was a gymnast on the Canadian women’s national artistic gymnastics team and has a history of athletic achievement, which may have influenced Zilisch’s competitive spirit.
Personal Life
Outside of racing, Zilisch is involved in coaching younger drivers in karting, sharing his knowledge and experience. He also runs a YouTube channel with fellow drivers, showcasing their racing adventures and insights into the sport.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a pivotal year for Connor Zilisch as he transitioned to the NASCAR Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing. Despite facing challenges in his debut races, Zilisch has shown resilience and determination. His best finish of the season came at Atlanta, where he placed eleventh. As the season progresses, Zilisch is expected to build on his experiences and continue developing as a competitive driver in the Cup Series. With a strong foundation from his successful Xfinity Series career, the outlook for Zilisch remains positive as he seeks to establish himself further in NASCAR.
