Connor Zilisch, NASCAR’s 19-year-old phenom, will replace veteran Daniel Suárez at Trackhouse Racing for the 2026 Cup Series season. Trackhouse owner Justin Marks confirmed the move on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Daytona International Speedway. He described the decision as a bold gamble and said it could reshape NASCAR’s approach to cultivating young talent.
Marks didn’t mince words explaining why Zilisch earned the promotion. “It’s the level of maturity, the approach, the ability to deliver in big moments,” Marks said. “When people ask me, ‘What can I do to get noticed in racing?’ I tell them: you have to win. You have to get it done when you’ve got a fast car and a real opportunity. Connor’s done it, every car he’s gotten in, he’s found a way to win.”
He highlighted Zilisch’s adaptability, a trait critical in NASCAR’s fast-paced environment. “This sport won’t wait for someone to figure things out. You have to get in the car, understand it, find its limits, and deliver right away. Connor has shown he can do that.”
A Rookie Sensation Takes the Stage
Connor Zilisch is from Charlotte and has been winning a lot in the Xfinity Series this year with JR Motorsports. He has seven wins this season, which makes eight in Connor’s career. One of those wins was the exciting Wawa 250 on Friday night at Daytona. Amazingly, he did this less than two weeks after breaking his collarbone at Watkins Glen.
Medical staff cleared him to race briefly before he handed over to Parker Kligerman, who crossed the finish line first. Zilisch’s 12 consecutive top-five finishes highlight a rare consistency in a sport usually dominated by seasoned drivers.
Reflecting on the path that brought him here, Zilisch acknowledged the sacrifices, doubts, and support that shaped his journey, from leaving school and friends behind to pursue racing, to guidance from mentors like Kevin Harvick and teams such as JR Motorsports and Pinnacle Racing Group.
“There were many times I questioned why… I left school and my friends to make this commitment,” Zilisch said, eyes glistening. “I never knew what was ahead of me… five years ago, I thought I’d just live life as a normal kid. Today, that dream is real.”
Zilisch Ready to Learn, Compete, and Prove Himself in the Cup Series
Zilisch is now poised for the biggest stage of his career. He will kick off his first full NASCAR Cup Series campaign at the Daytona 500 on Feb. 15, a high-stakes “welcome to the show” for any rookie. For Zilisch, however, the milestone is just that, a milestone. He insists the real challenge, proving he can compete for championships, is only beginning.
“I still haven’t made it to where I want to be, right? This is the start,” Zilisch said. “I wanted to get to this point and give myself the opportunity to win championships at the highest level, but I wouldn’t say I’ve made it. But I’ve made it farther than a lot. So, that’s something to be proud of.” Connor added.
He continued, “And, yeah, it’s going to be grueling. The Cup Series is no joke, and that jump from Saturday to Sunday is bigger than probably any other sport in our country. So yeah, I’m excited for the challenge and looking forward to just going out and learning, and every Sunday giving my best effort and seeing where I stack up.”
As Trackhouse Racing entrusts its next chapter to Zilisch, NASCAR fans have a front-row seat to witness a young driver with undeniable talent and fearless ambition take the wheel, and possibly redefine what it means to rise quickly through the ranks.
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