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

The future of motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series looks bright with the arrival of Connor Zilisch in 2026. This young driver, after a historic season in the Xfinity Series, where he conquered the regular season championship with 10 victories, is emerging as one of the most promising figures in the competition. Zilisch, a Red Bull athlete since the age of 18, has demonstrated innate talent and a captivating personality. His meteoric rise includes victories in the United States and Europe, breaking 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, with Red Bull and WeatherTech as main sponsors.

“I think he’s better than I was at his age, and he seems to be more mature than I was at his age,” commented Joey Logano, three-time Cup Series champion.

Joey Logano

Logano, aware of the pressure that comes with being the “next big star”, warns Zilisch about the importance of humility and constant work. He recalls his own experience and that of other drivers like Kyle Busch, who experienced a rapid rise and the harsh reality of competition in the Cup Series. The transition from the Xfinity Series to the Cup Series is a considerable challenge, according to Kyle Busch. The demand is such that drivers must be prepared to face a relentless level of competition.

Zilisch’s career in the motor world began at the age of 5 in karting, where he excelled internationally. His talent caught the attention of Kevin Harvick, who guided him and conveyed the importance of persevering in motorsport. Zilisch has proven his worth in various disciplines, including the Mazda MX-5 Cup, sports car racing, and his debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024. Despite the difficulties encountered in his three participations in the Cup Series in 2025, Zilisch is aware of the challenges that await him.

There is no margin for error. Everyone fights for every position, regardless of whether they are competing for victory, the top 10, or 32nd place,” says Zilisch, highlighting the intensity of the Cup Series.

Connor Zilisch

Zilisch, with his talent and determination, has the potential to succeed in the Cup Series, but time will tell how he adapts to the demands of the competition. The experience of drivers like Logano and Busch, who went through different processes, serves as a reference for what the future holds for him. Zilisch, after having proven his worth in the Xfinity Series, faces a new challenge in the Cup Series, where he will have to learn to compete in a ruthless environment.