NASCAR’s future looks bright with Connor Zilisch’s arrival in the Cup Series in 2026. After a historic season in the Xfinity Series, where he conquered the regular season championship and secured ten victories, Zilisch is preparing to make the jump to the top category of American motorsports.
This young driver, just over 1.80 meters tall and with an overwhelming charisma, has proven to be an exceptional talent since his beginnings. His career includes victories in various competitions in the United States and Europe, which earned him being signed by Red Bull at the age of 18.
Trackhouse Racing, the team that gave him the opportunity to debut in NASCAR in 2024, will give him the chance to compete in the number 88 Chevrolet, with the support of 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.
Joey Logano
The three-time Cup Series champion, Joey Logano, warns about the importance of humility and adaptation at a level of competition where all drivers are exceptional. Logano, who was also considered a promising talent in his early days, understands the challenges that Zilisch will face.
Another example for Zilisch to follow is Kyle Busch, who also reached the Cup Series with high expectations. Busch, after a successful career in lower categories, has established himself as a champion in the top category.Busch highlights the big difference between the Xfinity Series and the Cup Series, a jump that can be challenging for young drivers. The lack of prior experience competing against Cup Series drivers, due to restrictions imposed by NASCAR, could affect Zilisch’s adaptation process.
Zilisch, who started competing at 5 years old, has proven his worth in various motorsport disciplines, including karting, the Mazda MX-5 Cup, and endurance racing. His talent and versatility have allowed him to achieve victories in races such as the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring.
In his three Cup Series participations in 2025, Zilisch has experienced firsthand the demands of the category. He is aware that he will make mistakes and that adaptation will take time. The competition is fierce and every position is fiercely contested.
In the Cup, it’s ruthless. Those guys run all over the place as if it were the last lap of their lives.
Connor Zilisch
Zilisch, after demonstrating his potential, will have to adapt to the demands of the Cup Series. Time will tell if he manages to establish himself at the top of motorsports, following in the footsteps of drivers like Logano and Busch.
