Connor Zilisch
Connor Jackson Zilisch, born July 22, 2006, in Charlotte, North Carolina, is an emerging American professional stock car and sports car racing driver. Known for his versatility across multiple motorsport disciplines, he competes in NASCAR’s national series, sports car endurance events, and developmental stock car races. Signed as a development driver with Trackhouse Racing and affiliated with JR Motorsports, Zilisch is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in American motorsports today.
Early Life and Background
Zilisch began his racing journey at the young age of five, initially competing in karting. He quickly made a name for himself by winning multiple national karting championships in the United States, including the prestigious FIA Karting Academy Trophy in 2020, making him the first American to earn this title. Growing up near Charlotte, a heartland of stock car racing, he benefited from early exposure to motorsports and diverse racing formats. Transitioning from karting, he moved into sports cars and late model stock cars in his mid-teens, earning several wins and podiums in various series, including the Trans-Am TA2 Series and the CARS Tour.
Career
Zilisch’s career gathered momentum rapidly from 2021 onward. In 2022, he competed in the Mazda MX-5 Cup, finishing second in points and earning rookie of the year honors. In 2023, he dominated the Trans-Am TA2 Series with five wins in 13 races and secured victories in the CARS Tour Pro Late Model division. His endurance racing credentials skyrocketed in 2024 when he became the second-youngest winner of the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in the LMP2 class and claimed victory in the 12 Hours of Sebring. In the same year, Zilisch made an impressive NASCAR Xfinity Series debut with JR Motorsports, winning the race at Watkins Glen less than two months after turning 18. His 2024 season also included starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and a full-time ARCA Menards East campaign, competing in the No. 28 car for Pinnacle Racing Group. In 2025, Zilisch is set to run full-time in the Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports and continues to be a developmental driver for Trackhouse Racing in the Cup Series.
Off-Track Ventures
Public details regarding Zilisch’s off-track ventures are limited, consistent with his young age and rising career. He is a Red Bull athlete, which reflects his growing profile and sponsorship appeal. As he continues to develop professionally, further off-track business opportunities may emerge.
Net Worth
Exact net worth figures for Connor Zilisch are not publicly available, but as a young emerging driver with multiple wins across high-profile racing series, including significant manufacturer and sponsor backing, his net worth is likely in the lower millions, typical for promising young drivers rapidly ascending in motorsports.
Personal Life
Connor Zilisch maintains a relatively private personal life. He is from Charlotte, North Carolina. Specific details about his parents or family members are not publicly disclosed. There are no public records of a spouse, girlfriend, or children, which is common for a teenager focused on building a professional racing career.
Recent Controversies
No widely reported controversies involving Connor Zilisch have appeared publicly. He is recognized for his professionalism and maturity, especially noteworthy given his young age and rapid rise through competitive motorsport levels.
Key Highlights from Season 2024 and 2025
The 2024 season was a breakthrough year for Zilisch, marked by his wins in marquee endurance races like the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring in the LMP2 class. He began a full slate in stock car racing, including a stunning win in his first NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Watkins Glen. Throughout 2024 and into 2025, Zilisch continued success in ARCA and CARS Tour events, along with strong performances in NASCAR’s national series. His 2025 campaign involves a full-time drive in the Xfinity Series (No. 88 car for JR Motorsports), where he has already notched wins, poles, and competitive finishes, establishing himself as a national contender. Despite a few on-track incidents—such as spins and contact leading to NASCAR fines—Zilisch has shown resilience and growing racecraft. His progression is closely watched by industry insiders who view him as a future NASCAR Cup Series driver.