At just 19, Connor Zilisch has become a known figure in NASCAR. It was not too surprising when Dale Earnhardt Jr. added him to JR Motorsports full-time. Raw pace, fearless driving, maturity beyond years, and whatnot, Zilisch has everything to build his legacy. Backed by Chevrolet, Silver Hare Racing, and Trackhouse, Zilisch entered the JRM stable with expectations sky-high.
In fact, he’s earned Dale Jr.’s unwavering respect, something that is hard to get. And recently, during his Las Vegas drive, even in a race that didn’t go his way, that respect only grew stronger. Connor Zilisch’s performance in the recent NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Las Vegas was nothing short of spectacular, especially in the final 20 laps, where the young driver aggressively chased leader Aric Almirola. Though Zilisch narrowly missed victory, settling for second place, his driving impressed even the toughest of critics.
Dale Jr. shared high praise on his podcast, saying, “The 88 of Zilisch. I’m telling you, man. The way the kid drove that car the last 20 laps was epic.” Jr. marveled at Zilisch’s commitment. He further noted how the teenager pushed his car to its limits, even going sideways and losing significant track position before tightening focus and continuing his charge. “You’re like, ‘All right, just settle in and bring it home.’ Then he makes another run, cools it down,” Earnhardt said.
“I think you know we’re just seeing this kid show us that he really is the real deal,” Junior summed up his appreciation for Zilisch. And his assessment is backed by facts. Zilisch’s 2025 season has been impressive, marked by consistent top finishes and seven wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He currently sits on top of the playoff table, 82 points above the cutline and locked in the Championship 4 battle.
His skill and potential have not gone unnoticed, leading to a multi-year contract deal with Trackhouse Racing to compete full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series starting in 2026. Even Trackhouse Racing’s owner, Justin Marks, has lauded Zilisch’s talent and readiness for the Cup level, calling him “one of the hottest prospects in NASCAR history.”
Connor himself expressed excitement and humility about the move, promising to “put in 100 percent effort, learn all that I can, plus have a little bit of fun along the way.” Dale Jr.’s enthusiasm for Zilisch echoes the broader motorsports community’s belief that a bright future lies ahead for this young star, who has already proven he can compete under pressure and deliver thrilling performances on the track.
From karting prodigy to NASCAR phenomenon
The passion and precision that Connor Zilisch displayed in Las Vegas didn’t emerge overnight. It’s the product of a relentless climb from grassroots racing to NASCAR’s national spotlight. At just nineteen, Zilisch has already built a résumé that rivals many veteran drivers.
Born on July 22, 2006, in Charlotte, North Carolina, he began karting before his sixth birthday and quickly found fame on the international stage. Zilisch won the FIA Karting Academy Trophy in 2020, an honor previously claimed by Formula 1 talents like Charles Leclerc. He transitioned to cars in 2021, entering the Mazda MX-5 Cup and Trans-Am TA2 Series, and became the youngest driver to lead a session in series history and shattered track records at Virginia International Raceway.
Zilisch’s rapid progression through multiple racing categories revealed a level of adaptability rare for his age. By 2024, he had conquered endurance racing, too. The talented young driver scored class wins in both the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring, feats that cemented his reputation as one of America’s most gifted all-around racers.
In stock cars, Connor Zilisch’s breakout moment came in 2024 at Watkins Glen, where he won his first NASCAR Xfinity Series start less than two months after turning 18. The victory announced his arrival as a generational talent and set the stage for his dominant 2025 campaign with JR Motorsports and his upcoming Cup Series debut with Trackhouse Racing in 2026.
Fuente: https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-dale-jr-heaps-praise-on-his-teenage-championship-prospect-despite-vegas-struggles-connor-zilisch/
