DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Connor Zilisch, visibly emotional, took a moment to compose himself before wiping away tears and dedicating the next twenty minutes to using his shirt as a handkerchief. This announcement, although expected, marked an emotional moment at the Daytona International Speedway. Zilisch, a 19-year-old prodigy with seven victories in NASCAR’s Xfinity series, officially secured a spot in the Cup for 2026.
Marks confirmed that Zilisch signed a multi-year contract to compete full-time with Trackhouse next year. Zilisch will take Daniel Suarez’s place in a Chevrolet yet to be numbered and will join teammates Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen on Marks’ three-car team.We are here to surprise the world with an announcement that nobody expected.
Justin Marks, owner of Trackhouse Racing
Zilisch’s parents were also excited during the announcement, with his father commenting that his son “is usually very stoic”. Zilisch competed in karting from a young age, including a stint in Europe at age 11. The driver from Mooresville, North Carolina, turned professional in 2021. Since then, Zilisch has achieved success in every series in which he has participated. In the last two years, he won the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2024, as well as five ARCA races, two poles in the NASCAR Truck Series, 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 winning frequently with JR Motorsports, currently leading the Xfinity Series points standings. Accumulates eight wins in 27 Xfinity races. He has achieved 12 consecutive top-five finishes, including a win at Daytona on Friday night, after yielding the position to substitute driver Parker Kligerman. Zilisch competed less than two weeks after breaking his collarbone in an accident in the victory zone. He was cleared to compete at Daytona. Zilisch underwent surgery last week to insert a plate in his shoulder and stabilize the broken bone.I never thought I would get anywhere in racing.
Connor Zilisch
Marks expects to announce Zilisch’s car number, sponsorship, crew chief, and crew lineup in the coming weeks.Connor is an exceptional talent who comes along every few decades.
Justin Marks
