Connor Zilisch's Relentless Drive to Success Leads to Xfinity Debut at Watkins Glen
Connor Zilisch isn’t one to shy away from discomfort. In fact, he credits his willingness to step outside his comfort zone for much of his rapid rise in motorsport.
Early in his career, Zilisch seemed destined for Formula One. He even moved away from his parents’ home in suburban Charlotte to race in Europe. However, upon returning to the U.S., Zilisch embraced a diverse racing path, competing in various disciplines. His first experience on an oval didn’t happen until June 2022.
“There are places where I have to go out and learn,” Zilisch told NASCAR.com. “But over time, I’ve always felt like I can adapt after enough preparation.”
In January 2023, at just 17, Zilisch signed a multiyear deal with Trackhouse Racing as a developmental driver, under the guidance of Justin Marks. That same month, he claimed victory at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in his first attempt. He followed that up with a win at the 12 Hours of Sebring, again on his debut.
This season, Zilisch has also competed in the ARCA Menards Series, dominating with four wins in five starts, as well as four victories in seven ARCA Menards Series East races.
Zilisch’s success can be partly attributed to his relentless curiosity and his close relationship with mentor Josh Wise, a former NASCAR driver who helps young talents develop. Wise, who speaks to Zilisch almost daily, supports him in everything from race craft to personal matters. “We talk about life, girlfriends, school, goals, you name it,” Wise says. “There are no boundaries.”
Now, Zilisch’s next challenge awaits in the Xfinity Series. He will debut at Watkins Glen, driving the No. 88 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports in the first of a four-race deal. His entry into Xfinity comes with high expectations, as Zilisch is known for winning in his first outing across various series. Earlier this year, he made a strong showing in the Craftsman Truck Series at Circuit of The Americas before an early mistake derailed his effort.
Wise, however, embraces Zilisch’s mistakes. “I hope he makes a lot of them,” Wise explains. “That’s how you learn. The outcomes will be what they are, but he’ll grow from every race.”
Zilisch has his sights set on being competitive at Watkins Glen, a track he knows well. However, he acknowledges that the primary goal of this year is learning as he prepares for a full-time Xfinity ride in 2025.
“In 2024, it’s all about running the laps and learning,” Zilisch says. “I want to be competitive in 2025, and to do that, I need to absorb everything I can this year.”
Ahead of his Xfinity debut, Zilisch was also honored by being named a Red Bull athlete—a moment he describes as a dream come true. "I remember being 11 years old, emailing Red Bull for sponsorship. Now, seven years later, I’m wearing the helmet with pride."
With support from JR Motorsports and guidance from industry veterans like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Justin Marks, Zilisch’s future looks bright. As Marks said on the Dale Jr. Download, “Connor has all the qualities of a future winner—maturity, authenticity, a strong work ethic. At the end of the day, he’s a winner.”
If Zilisch manages to take the checkered flag at Watkins Glen, he’ll become just the seventh driver in history to win their Xfinity debut, joining the ranks of drivers like Ty Gibbs.
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