Connor Zilisch has had extra success than many professional racers — not to mention most 18 12 months olds. In 2024 alone, he earned class victories within the Rolex 24 and Sebring 12 endurance occasions, received 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 by means of the Rolex 24 once more. Although already an LMP2 class winner within the prestigious race, this weekend’s occasion presents a really totally different state of affairs for the younger racer.
“New crew, new automotive, new class — all the pieces is totally different,” Zilisch advised 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 crew 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 crew.
“I undoubtedly really feel like there’s loads for me to study from all of my teammates, Ben [Keating] included,” mentioned Zilisch. “He is received a lot expertise in sports activities automobiles.”
The New Zealanders on the squad have not received a Rolex watch, however they’re each winners of the Bathurst 12, and are remarkably versatile drivers with success throughout wildly totally 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 nicely. 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, it will likely be sponsored by Crimson Bull because the vitality drink model returns to inventory automotive racing for the primary time in 14 years.
“The Cup automotive is loads totally different,” mentioned Zilisch in a press convention at Daytona Worldwide Speedway. “I undoubtedly have loads to study there. It is only a complete totally different stage within the Cup Sequence. Clearly, I wish to get my toes moist as early as potential and get an understanding of what my future might appear to be. I am actually excited for that. It should 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 12 months, and now he’ll have a Cup race below his belt by spring of this 12 months. 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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