Rising Star Connor Zilisch Embraces NASCAR Future, Keeps F1 Door Ajar

Nineteen-year-old phenom Connor Zilisch, a driver already with a class victory at the prestigious Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona to his name, is firmly setting his sights on a full-time career in NASCAR, but has not entirely closed the door on a potential future in Formula 1. The prodigious talent is poised to embark on his maiden NASCAR Cup Series season with Trackhouse Racing, piloting the No. 88 Chevrolet, a move that underscores his rapid ascent through the motorsport ranks.

Zilisch’s impressive resume already boasts a diverse array of victories across multiple disciplines. He has secured wins in ARCA, Mazda MX-5 Cup, the CARS Tour, Trans-Am, IMSA, and the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. His early career success also includes a championship title in the CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy, a testament to his foundational skills in the sport’s grassroots. Notably, Zilisch has demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for road and street course racing, proving to be one of the few competitors capable of challenging the formidable Shane van Gisbergen on these challenging circuits.

The young driver’s trajectory has led many to label him a generational talent. His performance as a NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series rookie in 2025, where he secured ten victories, further solidifies this assessment. A particularly dominant stretch last summer saw him win seven out of eight races, narrowly missing out on a championship due to a single-race playoff format that NASCAR has since revised for the upcoming season.

This weekend, Zilisch is participating in his debut in the premier GTP class at the Rolex 24 at Daytona with the Whelen Cadillac squad, expressing evident enjoyment as the team competes for a podium finish. This endurance racing experience comes just weeks before he makes his significant transition to full-time stock car racing.

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During a segment on the Peacock Pitbox broadcast of the Rolex 24, Zilisch addressed his future racing ambitions. As a Red Bull athlete currently driving for Cadillac, a brand poised to enter the Formula 1 grid, the conversation inevitably turned towards the pinnacle of global motorsport. The precedent of Colton Herta transitioning from a successful IndyCar career with similar aspirations adds context to such discussions.

When questioned about the possibility of F1 aspirations, Zilisch remarked, "That’s something I dreamed of as a kid. If I have a very successful first few years in NASCAR, it’s not something I wouldn’t say no to." He acknowledged his admiration for Formula 1 but emphasized his current focus and enthusiasm for his NASCAR commitments. "I love F1 racing, but honestly, I love what I’m doing in NASCAR as well. It’s so much fun to get to race on the biggest stage in America. I get to do the Daytona 500 in three weeks for the first time. I’m certainly excited and infused in everything I’m doing in the NASCAR world, and it’s got my attention at this time with 38 weekends."

Zilisch articulated a nuanced perspective on his long-term goals, stating, "You never know, one day, if that opportunity comes about and I feel like I’ve done all I needed to do this side of the pond, I would definitely think about it." This sentiment suggests an openness to future opportunities, contingent on achieving significant success in his current NASCAR endeavors. However, he was clear in his immediate priorities.

The driver underscored that while he would consider a Formula 1 offer, his primary focus remains steadfastly on stock car racing as he prepares for the substantial undertaking of competing at the highest level of NASCAR. This commitment to mastering the intricacies of stock car racing, with its demanding schedule of 38 race weekends, indicates a deliberate and focused approach to his career development.

The move to Trackhouse Racing places Zilisch in an organization with a strong track record and a reputation for nurturing emerging talent. Trackhouse Racing, co-owned by former NASCAR Cup Series champion Kurt Busch and music executive Justin Marks, has quickly established itself as a competitive force in the Cup Series. The team has previously fielded successful drivers and demonstrated an ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of the sport. Zilisch’s signing is seen as a significant investment in the team’s future and a clear indication of his potential impact.

His upcoming debut in the Daytona 500, often referred to as "The Great American Race," represents a pivotal moment in his nascent Cup Series career. The iconic superspeedway event is renowned for its unpredictability and the immense pressure it places on drivers, particularly rookies. Zilisch’s experience in high-stakes endurance races like the Rolex 24 at Daytona is expected to provide a valuable foundation for navigating the unique challenges of NASCAR’s premier event.

The Red Bull association further highlights the international recognition of Zilisch’s talent. Red Bull has a long-standing history of supporting and developing young drivers across various motorsport disciplines, with a particular focus on providing pathways to Formula 1. While Zilisch’s current contract and stated ambitions lie with NASCAR, the Red Bull endorsement suggests that a broader motorsport career, potentially including international avenues, remains a possibility in the long term.

The strategic decision to prioritize NASCAR at this stage of his career aligns with the sport’s growing appeal to a diverse range of racing talent. The increasing competitiveness of NASCAR, particularly with the introduction of the Next Gen car, has attracted drivers from open-wheel and sports car backgrounds, seeking new challenges and opportunities for success. Zilisch’s versatility across different car types and racing formats positions him well to thrive in this environment.

His immediate future will be dominated by the rigorous NASCAR schedule, which demands consistent performance and adaptability across a wide array of track types, from short tracks and ovals to road courses. The development of his stock car racing skills will be paramount, and his success in the Cup Series will ultimately determine the trajectory of his career and the viability of any future explorations into other motorsport categories. The journey ahead for Connor Zilisch promises to be one of the most closely watched in motorsport, as he navigates the demanding world of NASCAR with the allure of past achievements and the potential for future triumphs.

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