The future of motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series looks bright with the arrival of Connor Zilisch in 2026. This young driver, with innate talent and infectious charisma, promises to revolutionize the world of racing.
Zilisch, hailing from North Carolina, has proven his worth from an early age. At 18 years old, he already had the backing of Red Bull, a testament to his exceptional skill. His victories in various competitions in the United States and Europe, including impressive records, have catapulted him to fame.
His time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in his rookie season was historic, with 10 victories and the regular season championship. Trackhouse Racing, which introduced him to NASCAR in 2024, will field him in the No. 88 Chevrolet next year, with the support of Red Bull and WeatherTech.
I think he’s better than I was at his age, and he seems to be more mature than I was at his age.
Joey Logano
Joey Logano, three-time Cup Series champion, shares his opinion on Zilisch and the importance of humility at this level of competition. Logano, who was also considered a “next big thing”, highlights the need to stay grounded and remember the essentials.
Other drivers like Kyle Busch also experienced a similar transition to the Cup Series with high expectations. Busch emphasizes the magnitude of the jump from the Xfinity Series to the Cup Series, and the challenge it represents for young drivers.Zilisch, who started racing at 5 years old, has a solid foundation in karting, where he won the FIA Karting Academy Trophy. His career includes participations in the Mazda MX-5 Cup, sports car races and stock cars, with victories in prestigious events such as the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring.
In his first three races in the Cup Series in 2025, Zilisch experienced the learning curve and the need for adaptation. He acknowledges that he will make mistakes and that the competition is relentless, regardless of the position in the race. The transition from the Xfinity Series to the Cup Series is a considerable challenge.
Zilisch, like many before him, will have to prove his ability to thrive in the demanding Cup Series. Time will tell how he adapts to this new level of competition.
