Connor Zilisch has had extra success than many professional racers — not to mention most 18 yr olds. In 2024 alone, he earned class victories within the Rolex 24 and Sebring 12 endurance occasions, gained 5 of the eight ARCA races he entered, earned pole place for his first NASCAR Truck begin, and went on to win in his NASCAR Xfinity debut at Watkins Glen.
Going into 2025, expectations are excessive as he embarks on his rookie Xfinity season with JR Motorsports, however first Zilisch has to get via the Rolex 24 once more. Although already an LMP2 class winner within the prestigious race, this weekend’s occasion presents a really completely different scenario for the younger racer.
“New workforce, new automotive, new class — every part is completely different,” Zilisch instructed Motorsport.
Connor Zilisch, JR Motorsports, Carolina Carports Chevrolet Camaro
Photograph by: Gavin Baker / NKP / Motorsport Pictures
Feeling like a rookie, even because the defending winner
Zilisch might be driving a Chevrolet Corvette for Trackhouse Racing alongside Kiwi dream workforce Shane van Gisbergen and Scott McLaughlin, and Ben Keating. On condition that group’s expertise — and Zilisch’s age — it is no shock that, regardless of all his success, he nonetheless feels just like the rookie on his workforce.
“I undoubtedly really feel like there’s lots for me to be taught from all of my teammates, Ben [Keating] included,” mentioned Zilisch. “He is bought a lot expertise in sports activities vehicles.”
The New Zealanders on the squad have not gained a Rolex watch, however they’re each winners of the Bathurst 12, and are remarkably versatile drivers with success throughout wildly completely different racing disciplines on each side of the globe.
“I strive to not set my expectations too excessive,” Zilisch mentioned. “In racing, there are such a lot of variables and so many issues that may change and occur throughout a race, particularly in [the Rolex 24] … I take that very same mindset into the Xfinity season as properly. You solely get your rookie season as soon as in NASCAR, and I am gonna strive and ensure to profit from it.”
#91 Trackhouse by TF Sport Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Ben Keating, Connor Zilisch, Scott McLaughlin, Shane van Gisbergen
Photograph by: James Gilbert – Motorsport Pictures
Past his Xfinity season beginning quickly, the 18-year-old will make his NASCAR Cup debut in March at COTA, driving the No. 87 Chevrolet for Trackhouse. Notably, will probably be sponsored by Purple Bull because the power drink model returns to inventory automotive racing for the primary time in 14 years.
“The Cup automotive is lots completely different,” mentioned Zilisch in a press convention at Daytona Worldwide Speedway. “I undoubtedly have lots to be taught there. It is only a complete completely different degree within the Cup Sequence. Clearly, I need to get my ft moist as early as potential and get an understanding of what my future could seem like. I am actually excited for that. It is going to be numerous enjoyable. Issues have progressed actually quick.”
That is an understatement. Zilisch made his ARCA debut in August of 2023, his Xfinity debut in September of final yr, and now he’ll have a Cup race beneath his belt by spring of this yr. And presumably a second Rolex on his wrist by the tip of tomorrow.
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Nick DeGroot
NASCAR Cup
NASCAR XFINITY
IMSA
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