After many impressive showings in a limited number of NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series events, Connor Zilisch is getting the upgrade to the NASCAR Xfinity Series full-time in 2025, driving for JR Motorsports.
The 18-year-old driver, who is set to make his second start in the NASCAR Truck Series in Saturday’s Clean Harbors 250 at Richmond Raceway, will be behind the wheel of the team’s No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro starting next February at Daytona International Speedway.
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“This is an amazing moment for me and all the people who have helped me get to this place in my career,” said Zilisch who became eligible to race in the Xfinity Series when he turned 18 on July 22. “With so much support from Chevrolet and a chance to race in trucks and ARCA with Silver Hare Racing, I was able to sign with Trackhouse Racing and they went to work to secure an incredible opportunity for me. I am so grateful and can’t wait to show their trust in me is warranted. It is mind-blowing to think that I will drive for JR Motorsports and Dale Earnhardt, Jr., who is one of my heroes. I’m ready to put in the work.”
A development driver for NASCAR Cup Series team Trackhouse Racing, Zilisch has put together an impressive season, winning the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring in his first attempts at the two prestigious IMSA events.
In his seven starts across the ARCA Menards Series platform (which includes starts in ARCA and the ARCA East Series), Zilisch has collected wins at Dover, Flat Rock, Iowa, and Indianapolis Raceway Park, as well as no finish worse than fourth place.
The Mooresville, North Carolina native’s impressive campaign has also included a victory in the zMAX Cars Tour in the Late Model Stock Car division at Hickory Motor Speedway, and a pole on debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Circuit of The Americas (COTA).
“Connor is such an impressive driver at this young age,” said Earnhardt Jr. “We’re excited for him to get behind the wheel full-time next season. He is on a path to sure success with support from Chevrolet, Trackhouse Racing, and now JR Motorsports.”
Between the NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and ARCA Menards Series, Zilisch will be contesting 15 events in the final 14 weeks of the season, including several race weekends where he’ll be running double-duty.
In September, Zilisch will make his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut for JR Motorsports at Watkins Glen International, driving the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro. It’s the first of four scheduled races for the future full-timer, which includes runs at Kansas, Homestead, and Phoenix.
Several of the remaining weekends in 2024 will have Zilisch running double-duty, with a five-race campaign in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for Spire Motorsports, and six races left on his ARCA Menards Series schedule for Pinnacle Racing Group.
Zilisch will partner with Spire at Richmond, Bristol, Talladega, and Martinsville, while piloting a Spire-coordinated entry at Homestead-Miami Speedway in the NASCAR Truck Series. His remaining ARCA Menards Series schedule currently includes events at Michigan, Milwaukee, Watkins Glen, Bristol, Kansas, and Phoenix.
“We couldn’t be more excited to begin this relationship with JR Motorsports and know that Connor is in good hands as we work together to continue Connor’s development,” said Marks. “Connor has a bright future in this sport and we plan to be together for a long time. JR Motorsports is the perfect partner for Trackhouse and Connor.
Additional partnership and personnel announcements for Zilisch’s campaign at JR Motorsports in 2025 will be announced at a later date.
