Connor Zilisch Set to Join NASCAR Cup Series in 2026

The racing world is abuzz as Connor Zilisch, a standout talent from North Carolina, prepares to make his debut in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026. Zilisch, who has already made waves in the NASCAR Xfinity Series by winning 10 races and clinching the regular season championship in his rookie year, will drive the No. 88 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing, with major sponsorships from Red Bull and WeatherTech.

Zilisch’s journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. At just 18 years old, he became a Red Bull athlete, showcasing his impressive skills across various racing disciplines in both the United States and Europe. His infectious personality and wide smile have endeared him to fans, but the road ahead in the Cup Series promises to be challenging.

Three-time Cup Series champion Joey Logano shared insights on Zilisch’s potential, noting, “I think he’s better than I was at that age, and he seems to be more mature than I was at that age.” Logano cautioned, however, about the transition to the Cup Series, emphasizing that every driver in this top tier is exceptionally skilled. He urged Zilisch to remain humble, recognizing that the level of competition will be a significant adjustment.

High Expectations and Learning Curves

The comparisons to past NASCAR talents are inevitable. Logano himself faced immense pressure as the “Next Big Thing” in the early 2000s, having been signed by Joe Gibbs Racing as a teenager. He quickly found success but also encountered the harsh realities of the Cup Series. Similarly, Kyle Busch entered the Cup Series with high expectations, transitioning from a successful Xfinity Series career to facing formidable competition at the top level.

Busch offered a stark reminder of the challenges that await Zilisch. He indicated that the leap from the Xfinity Series to the Cup Series is one of the most significant in motorsports. “It’s a rude awakening,” Busch stated. “When you look at the Truck Series to the Xfinity Series, you can kind of say, ‘OK that’s a little bit of a step up.’ But when you look at the Xfinity Series to the Cup Series, that step is so huge.”

Zilisch’s experience in the Xfinity Series has certainly equipped him for success, but the lessons learned from past champions highlight that adaptability will be crucial. The young driver has already begun to navigate the complexities of the Cup Series, with three starts in the 2025 season providing him a taste of the fierce competition. He reflected on the challenges, saying, “There are no breaks given whether you’re racing for the win, a top 10 or 32nd.”

A Strong Foundation and Support

Zilisch’s racing career began at the age of five, leading him through a decade of karting. His accomplishments in Europe, including winning the FIA Karting Academy Trophy at just 14 years old, caught the attention of Kevin Harvick, a NASCAR champion who would play a pivotal role in his development. Harvick encouraged Zilisch to stay focused on racing, advising his father not to let him pursue college just yet. This guidance has proven beneficial as Zilisch has excelled in various motorsports, including the Mazda MX-5 Cup and stock car racing.

Despite his impressive track record, Zilisch is aware of the steep learning curve ahead. He compared the competition in the Cup Series to the Xfinity Series, emphasizing that every driver competes fiercely for every position, unlike the more forgiving nature of the latter series. “It’s just ruthless,” he noted, acknowledging the intensity of the competition and the need to learn from setbacks.

As Zilisch prepares for the next chapter in his racing career, he recognizes that both success and challenges lie ahead. “You don’t understand until you get there,” he remarked, reflecting on conversations with fellow drivers about the realities of racing in the Cup Series. With a mix of talent, determination, and a strong support system, Zilisch is set to make his mark in NASCAR, but like many before him, he will need time to adapt to the rigors of the sport’s highest level.