DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Connor Zilisch, visibly emotional, took a moment to compose himself before wiping away tears, using his shirt as a handkerchief for twenty minutes. The promotion at Daytona International Speedway was emotional, despite being an open secret in NASCAR this season. Zilisch, a 19-year-old prodigy with seven victories in the Xfinity Series, NASCAR’s second category, officially secured a Cup spot for 2026 on Saturday. Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks joked about it, saying they were there to “surprise the world with an announcement that nobody expected”. Marks revealed that Zilisch signed a multi-year contract to compete full-time with Trackhouse next year. Zilisch will replace Daniel Suarez in a Chevrolet yet to be numbered and will join teammates Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen in Marks’ three-car team.
Zilisch went on to say that he never knew what the future held and that, five years ago, he thought he would go to college and live a normal life. Zilisch’s parents were also excited during the speech, and his father later commented that his son “is usually very stoic”. Zilisch competed in karting from a young age, including a stint in Europe at 11 years old. The driver from Mooresville, North Carolina, turned professional in 2021. Since then, Zilisch has achieved success in every series he has participated in. In the last two years, he won the 2024 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring, as well as five ARCA races, two NASCAR Truck Series poles, and a victory in a CARS Tour race. Zilisch has been a Trackhouse development driver for two years. He proved he was ready for the top level of NASCAR by frequently winning with JR Motorsports. He is currently leading the Xfinity Series points standings. Has eight wins in 27 Xfinity races. He has achieved 12 consecutive top-five finishes, including a win at Daytona on Friday night, after yielding to substitute driver Parker Kligerman. Zilisch started the race less than two weeks after breaking his collarbone in an unfortunate accident in the victory area. He was cleared to return to Daytona and started the race. Kligerman stepped in during the event, and Zilisch ran across the grass to greet him at the finish line. Zilisch underwent surgery last week to insert a plate in his shoulder and stabilize the broken bone. His foot got caught in the netting of his window at Watkins Glen on August 9, causing him to fall headfirst onto the concrete.I never thought I would get anywhere in racing. My parents have supported me from day one, in every moment, in the good and in the bad. There were many times I questioned why I left school, left my friends to commit to the Cup Series and try to pursue the dream of racing in motorsport.
Connor Zilisch
Marks expects to announce Zilisch’s car number, sponsor, crew chief, and crew lineup in the coming weeks.Connor is an exceptional talent who comes along every few decades. I’ve watched Connor grow since he was racing karts at the Trackhouse Motorplex to having a front-row seat as he beat us all in Trans Am racing a few years ago. He adapted quickly to everything we’ve thrown at him, and what he’s doing with JR Motorsports in Xfinity this season is historic.
Justin Marks
