NASCAR’s future looks bright with the arrival of Connor Zilisch to the Cup Series in 2026. This young driver, after an outstanding season in the Xfinity Series, where he won the regular season championship, joins the top category of American motorsports.
Zilisch, a Red Bull athlete just 18 years old, has demonstrated exceptional talent and remarkable maturity. His meteoric rise includes victories in various competitions in the United States and Europe, breaking records along the way.
Trackhouse Racing, the team that opened the doors to NASCAR in 2024, will integrate him into the Chevrolet No. 88, 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
Joey Logano, three-time Cup champion, has highlighted the importance of humility for Zilisch in his transition. Logano, who was also considered a “next big thing”, advises Zilisch to stay focused and remember the essentials.
The stories of Logano and Kyle Busch, another driver who came to the Cup Series with high expectations, serve as examples for Zilisch. Both experienced challenges in adapting to the series, demonstrating that success in lower categories does not guarantee immediate triumph in the Cup Series.Kyle Busch warns Zilisch about the difficulty of the transition, pointing out that the competition in the Cup Series is relentless and that success in Xfinity does not guarantee the same level of performance.
Zilisch, with a career that began at the age of 5 in karting, has an impressive track record of victories in various motorsport disciplines. His time in Europe and his subsequent success in the United States, including participations in the 24 Hours of Daytona and his debut in the Xfinity series in 2024, have prepared him for the challenge.
In his first races in the Cup in 2025, Zilisch experienced the demands of the category. He is aware that mistakes are inevitable and that every position is fiercely contested.
No quarter is given, whether you’re fighting for victory, for a top 10 finish, or for 32nd place.
Connor Zilisch
Zilisch acknowledges the magnitude of the jump from Xfinity to the Cup Series and the difficulty of competing in such a demanding environment. Time will tell if Zilisch follows the path of Logano, who needed time to establish himself, or Busch, who had an immediate impact.
Zilisch is ready to face the challenge, aware that the Cup is a different level, where victory and adaptation are key.
