Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Registix Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series Mission 200 at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on August 09, 2025 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images for NASCAR)
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NASCAR News: Zilisch to join Trackhouse Racing for Full-Time cup ride in 2026

Posted by AR1 staff

In a move that sent shockwaves through the NASCAR world, Trackhouse Racing announced at Daytona International Speedway that 19-year-old phenom Connor Zilisch (pictured) will drive full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series starting in 2026.

The multi-year agreement positions Zilisch to replace fan-favorite Daniel Suarez in the team’s No. 99 Chevrolet, joining Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen in Trackhouse’s three-car lineup. The announcement, made by team owner Justin Marks, confirms Zilisch as one of the sport’s brightest young talents, poised to make a significant impact in NASCAR’s top tier.

Zilisch, a Mooresville, North Carolina native, has been a Trackhouse developmental driver since January 2024, dazzling fans and insiders with his meteoric rise. Currently leading the NASCAR Xfinity Series with seven victories in 27 starts for JR Motorsports in 2025, Zilisch has shown remarkable versatility. His wins include road courses like Watkins Glen, Circuit of The Americas, and Sonoma, as well as ovals like Pocono, Dover, and Indianapolis, where he secured JR Motorsports’ 100th victory. Despite a broken collarbone from a victory lane fall at Watkins Glen two weeks prior, Zilisch started the Xfinity race at Daytona on August 22, with Parker Kligerman taking over to clinch the win.

“This day has been a dream of mine for a long time,” Zilisch said during an emotional press conference in Daytona’s Godwin Kelly Deadline Room. “Cup racing has been the goal since joining Chevrolet and Trackhouse. I didn’t expect it this soon, but I feel ready. I know the challenge ahead, but with Trackhouse and Chevrolet’s support, I’m in the right place. I’m not making predictions for next year—just promising to give 100%, learn as much as I can, and have some fun along the way.”

Zilisch’s journey to the Cup Series is nothing short of extraordinary. A karting prodigy who competed in Europe at age 11, he transitioned to professional racing in 2021, racking up victories in the Rolex 24 at Daytona (LMP2 class), the 12 Hours of Sebring, five ARCA races, and a CARS Tour late model event. His 2024 Xfinity debut at Watkins Glen saw him win both the pole and the race, a feat that underscored his raw talent. In 2025, Zilisch’s dominance continued with 12 consecutive top-five Xfinity finishes, including six wins, despite missing a race due to a Talladega crash.

Trackhouse owner Justin Marks, who raced against Zilisch in Trans Am and observed him at the Trackhouse Motorplex go-kart track, praised the young driver’s maturity and skill. “Connor is a rare talent that comes along every few decades,” Marks said. “He’s adapted to everything we’ve thrown at him, and what he’s doing in Xfinity with JR Motorsports is historic. He’s poised, mature, and ready for Cup racing in 2026.” Marks highlighted mentorship from former racer Josh Wise and General Motors’ Dr. Eric Warren as key to Zilisch’s preparation.

The announcement follows Trackhouse’s July decision to part ways with Suarez after five seasons, creating an opening in their three-car team, which has notched 13 Cup Series wins since 2021, including five in 2025 from Chastain and van Gisbergen. Zilisch has already made three Cup starts in 2025, with an 11th-place finish at Atlanta’s Echo Park Speedway and strong showings at Circuit of The Americas and Charlotte. Red Bull and WeatherTech will serve as anchor sponsors for his 2026 rookie campaign, with details on car number, crew chief, and team lineup to be announced later.

NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr., whose JR Motorsports team has nurtured Zilisch in Xfinity, compared him to greats like Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson. “If you spend time around him, you’ll see how mature he is,” Earnhardt said. “He’s got the potential for incredible, Hall of Fame-worthy things.” Eric Warren of General Motors echoed this optimism, stating, “Connor’s accomplishments are remarkable. He has the drive and commitment to succeed in NASCAR’s top division.”

Zilisch’s promotion marks a bold step for Trackhouse, a team known for its rapid rise since entering NASCAR in 2021 with Suarez. The organization’s innovative approach, diverse pit crews, and expansion into MotoGP with Aprilia in 2024 reflect its ambition to redefine motorsports. As Zilisch prepares for his rookie Cup season, all eyes will be on whether this young star can live up to the hype and challenge NASCAR’s elite in 2026.

For more NASCAR news, visit www.nascar.com or www.trackhouse.com.