Connor Zilisch: The Key to Succeeding in NASCAR, Learning to Lose

The future of motorsports looks bright with the arrival of Connor Zilisch to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026. After a historic season in the Xfinity Series, where he was crowned regular season champion with 10 victories, Zilisch is preparing to make the jump to the top category. Trackhouse Racing, the team that introduced him to NASCAR in 2024, will give him the opportunity to compete behind the wheel of the No. 88 Chevrolet, backed by 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

The transition to the Cup Series represents a significant challenge, as other promising drivers have experienced. The demand is maximum, and the competition is fierce. Humility and perseverance will be key for Zilisch to achieve success in this new stage. From the age of 5, Zilisch has demonstrated exceptional talent in various motorsport disciplines. His time in karting, where he won the prestigious FIA Karting Academy Trophy, and his subsequent participation in categories such as the Mazda MX-5 Cup and sports car racing, have forged a solid foundation.

In 2025, Zilisch participated in three Cup Series races, where he experienced firsthand the learning curve and the demands of the category. He is aware that mistakes are inevitable and that the competition is relentless.

No quarter is given, whether you’re fighting for victory, for a top 10 finish, or for 32nd place.

Connor Zilisch

Zilisch has proven himself worthy of competing in the Cup Series, but time will tell how quickly he adapts to the demands of the category. Patience, experience, and the ability to learn from each race will be fundamental to his development.