The entire industry has seen it coming for months, but on Saturday, Trackhouse Racing made it official: Connor Zilisch will become a full-time NASCAR Cup Series competitor in 2026.
NEWS: Welcome to the NASCAR Cup Series, @ConnorZilisch??
The 19-year-old will race full-time for The House beginning in 2026 and beyond. pic.twitter.com/K4SvTHOD0V
— Trackhouse Racing (@TeamTrackhouse) August 23, 2025
Zilisch, a 19-year-old phenom and arguably the favorite for the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship this season with JR Motorsports, will join Trackhouse Racing for a full-time campaign.
“This day has been a dream of mine for a long time,” said Zilisch, a Trackhouse Racing development driver since 2024. “Cup racing has been the goal since joining with Chevrolet and Trackhouse, and while I didn’t know it would come this soon, I feel like I’m ready.”
The Mooresville, North Carolina-native is currently competing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he (courtesy of Parker Kligerman) collected his seventh victory of the season on Friday at Daytona International Speedway.
“I know the challenge that awaits entering the Cup Series as a full-time driver, but I feel that with the support of Trackhouse and Chevrolet, this is the right situation for me. I won’t be making any predictions for success next year. All I promise it to put in 100 percent effort, learn all that I can, plus have a little bit of fun along the way.”
Throughout the entirety of his NASCAR journey, Zilisch has been impressive, winning the pole in both the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series on debut, and winning the race on debut in the Xfinity Series at Watkins Glen last September.
Zilisch is a winner in both the Rolex 24 and 12 Hours of Sebring, and has parlayed his extensive road racing knowledge into success in NASCAR’s National Series, already collecting eight wins in 27 starts.
“Connor is a rare talent that comes along every few decades,” said Justin Marks, founder of Trackhouse Racing. “I have watched Connor grow from a kid racing go-karts at the Trackhouse Motorplex to an up-close seat as he beat all of us in the TransAm races a few years ago. He quickly adapted to everything we have put him in, and what he is doing with JR Motorsports in Xfinity this season is historic.”
“Connor is very mature, poised, and I know he’s ready for Cup racing in 2026. He’s been mentored along the way by former racer Josh Wise and Dr. Eric Warren at General Motors. I can speak for everyone at Trackhouse Racing when I say we have a tremendous amount of faith in this young man.”
Trackhouse Racing has already raced Zilisch three times this season in the NASCAR Cup Series — at COTA, Charlotte, and EchoPark Speedway — where the youngster recorded a best finish of 11th.
“We are excited for Connor to get the opportunity to compete full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026,” said Dr. Eric Warren. “What Connor has been able to accomplish in NASCAR over the last year has been remarkable. He has the drive and commitment to put in the work on and off the track, and we look forward to seeing his continued success in NASCAR’s top division.”
Zilisch will be a part of Trackhouse Racing’s three-driver lineup for 2026, which will also include Coca-Cola 600 race-winner Ross Chastain, and five-time NASCAR Cup Series winner Shane van Gisbergen.
One Response
Let’s just hope he can stay healthy. JR motor sports has been a breeding ground for some great drivers. Here’s hoping he keeps his winning streak going. Trachouse is on fire right now. Too bad, The “Frito Bandit” is leaving. What a team it could be with 4 cars. Just sayin’