At the NASCAR Awards, Connor Zilisch talked about how hard the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season was for him. Connor had one of the best records all year. But still ended up third in the championship after the Phoenix finale. Jesse Love came out on top.
Zilisch has his eyes on Trackhouse Racing and a move to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026. He said he’s proud of what he pulled off this season. But you can tell that finishing just short still stings a little.
Reflecting on the 2025 Season
Looking back, Connor Zilisch admitted it took time to process how the year ended. “It was definitely a lot of disappointment,” he said. “We had such a great season, and to come up short like that, it was hard to process at first.”
Still, he knows there was plenty to celebrate. Winning ten races in a single season isn’t something most drivers get to do. “It was an amazing season,” he said. “We worked really hard, and to win 10 races is something I’m really proud of.”
He also mentioned how the playoff format shaped the final result. “It’s tough because you can have such a dominant season, but it all comes down to one race,” Zilisch explained. The back injury that sidelined him in Texas was another major setback. “The team did a great job getting me back on track. We just couldn’t quite get it done at the end.”
Connor Zilisch Preparing for the NASCAR Cup Series
Now, Zilisch’s focus has shifted to the next step, joining Trackhouse Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series for 2026. “I’m really excited about it,” he said. “Trackhouse Racing has been great, and I’m looking forward to working with them.”
He’s already started preparing for the jump, spending time training and studying for the higher level of competition. The move comes after a breakout Xfinity season that solidified him as one of NASCAR’s rising stars. If anything, 2025 proved that Zilisch has both the pace and the drive to compete with the best.
Missed WEC Test and Future Goals
Outside of NASCAR, Connor Zilisch also faced a frustrating moment when he couldn’t qualify for a World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar test in Bahrain. He fell short on FIA Super License points, which are required to take part. “I thought I had enough points, but because of the way the points are awarded, I didn’t qualify,” he said.
The missed opportunity was a tough one since endurance racing, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, is part of his long-term dream.
But Connor Zilisch isn’t giving up on that goal. “We’re looking into it. It’s a complex situation, but we’re trying to find a way to make it work,” he explained. He’s also exploring a potential entry in the Rolex 24 at Daytona, which would give him valuable experience behind the wheel. “It’s a great race, and it would be a fantastic way to gain more experience,” he added.
Even with the ups and downs, Zilisch’s mindset stays positive. “It’s all about staying focused and not letting setbacks define you,” he said. He also took a moment to thank his fans for their support throughout the year. “Thank you to everyone who supported me. It means a lot. We’re going to come back stronger next year.”
His friendship with Jesse Love, who won the title, remains strong. “Jesse’s a great friend, and we push each other to be better,” Zilisch said.
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