After a major crash on the final lap of April’s NASCAR Xfinity Series event at Talladega Superspeedway, Connor Zilisch was sidelined with an injury to his lower back. Now, less than a month later, the 18-year-old prodigy is returning to competition.
Zilisch, the face of NASCAR Cup Series team Trackhouse Racing’s driver development program, will not only be competing in Saturday’s Xfinity Series event at Charlotte Motor Speedway, but will also jump behind the wheel of a NASCAR Cup Series entry for just the second time in his career, in the series’ longest event, the Coca-Cola 600.
The 18-year-old prodigy jumped on social media on Monday, following NASCAR’s All-Star Weekend to confirm his return in a statement, which starts with the simple message of “I’m back.”
“My back is all healed up and I’m ready for a big weekend at Charlotte,” the statement continues. “I’m pumped to make my second Cup start with Trackhouse and get back in the Xfinity car with JR Motorsports. Big thanks to everyone who helped me get back so soon.”
— Connor Zilisch (@ConnorZilisch) May 19, 2025
Sunday’s 600-miler at Charlotte will mark the second career NASCAR Cup Series start for Zilisch, who will have the backing of iconic brand Red Bull on the No. 87 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet.
