The future of motorsports looks bright with the arrival of Connor Zilisch in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026. After a standout season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he was crowned regular season champion with ten victories, Zilisch moves up to the premier category with the backing of Trackhouse Racing and the support of Red Bull and WeatherTech.
Known for his charisma and innate talent, Zilisch, at 18 years old, already has an impressive resume that includes victories in the United States and Europe. His meteoric rise has generated expectations, although experienced figures like Joey Logano warn about the adaptation to the competition level of the Cup Series.
I think he’s better than I was at his age, and he seems more mature than I was at his age.
Joey Logano
The transition from the Xfinity Series to the Cup Series represents a significant challenge, as demonstrated by the cases of drivers like Kyle Busch and Ty Gibbs, who experienced a “wake-up call” when facing the demands of the top category.Zilisch, who began his career at the age of five, has proven his worth in various motorsport disciplines, including karting, where he won the FIA Academy Trophy. His time in Europe caught the attention of Kevin Harvick, who guided him and conveyed the importance of persevering in his career.
In his three Cup Series participations in 2025, Zilisch experienced firsthand the learning curve and the intensity of the competition. Aware that mistakes are inevitable and that every position is fiercely contested, Zilisch prepares for a challenge where the demand is constant.
In the Cup, it’s ruthless. Those guys compete for every position as if it were the last lap of their lives.
Connor Zilisch
Zilisch’s adaptation to the Cup Series will be a process that will require time and experience. Zilisch’s path to the top of professional motorsports is underway.
