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.
Coming from North Carolina, this young driver, barely 18 years old, has demonstrated exceptional talent that earned him a contract with Red Bull. His charisma and captivating personality complement his skill behind the wheel, accumulating victories in both the United States and Europe, setting new records along the way.
Trackhouse Racing, the team that introduced him to NASCAR in 2024, will be in charge of running Zilisch in the No. 88 Chevrolet next year, with the backing of Red Bull and WeatherTech as its main sponsors.
I think he’s better than I was at his age, and he seems more mature than I was at his age.
Joey Logano
Joey Logano, three-time Cup Series champion, highlights the importance of humility for Zilisch in his transition. Logano, who was also considered the “next big thing” at one point, warns about the dangers of complacency in such a competitive environment.
The experience of drivers like Kyle Busch serves as an example for Zilisch. Busch, who also reached the Cup Series with high expectations, had to face tough competition. The transition from the Xfinity Series to the Cup Series is a huge challenge, and drivers must be prepared for it.Kyle Busch emphasizes that adapting to the Cup Series is an arduous process. The level of demand is very high, and the drivers must be prepared to compete at the highest level in each race.
Zilisch, who started racing at 5 years old, has a solid track record in karting and various motorsport categories. His talent and dedication have led him to achieve important victories, including the FIA Karting Academy Trophy and participations in the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring.
In his three Cup Series races in 2025, Zilisch experienced firsthand the learning curve and the time needed to adapt. He is aware that he will make mistakes, but he is prepared to face the challenges ahead. The competition in the Cup Series is relentless, and every position is fiercely contested.
The Cup Series is no joke, and I don’t think the size of the jump from Saturday to Sunday is fully understood.
Connor Zilisch
Zilisch has proven to be worthy of the Cup Series, but time will tell how quickly he adapts to this new level of competition. NASCAR history is full of examples of drivers who needed time and experience to reach their full potential. Zilisch’s career promises to be exciting, and fans eagerly await his debut in 2026.
