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Bob Pockrass’ Wildest NASCAR Prediction Yet: Can Connor Zilisch Really Win a Cup Race in 2025?

David Castro by David Castro
January 31, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Bob Pockrass’ Wildest NASCAR Prediction Yet: Can Connor Zilisch Really Win a Cup Race in 2025?

Nov 9, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Connor Zilisch (88) during the Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Every preseason, NASCAR pundits drop their bold predictions—some safe, some outlandish, and some so shocking they make the entire room stop. But Bob Pockrass just delivered a take so audacious it left Kevin Harvick and Kaitlyn Vincie completely floored.

On a recent episode of Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast, Pockrass took his swing at 2025’s biggest surprises and dropped this bombshell:

“Connor Zilisch is going to win a Cup race.”

Record scratch.

Vincie’s jaw hit the floor, Harvick chuckled in disbelief, and everyone was left questioning if Pockrass had lost his mind—or stumbled upon NASCAR’s next big revelation.

Who Is Connor Zilisch, and Why Is Pockrass So High on Him?

Let’s set the stage. Connor Zilisch is just 18 years old. He’s not even a full-time Cup driver. And yet, Pockrass is already betting on him to grab a win against the best stock car drivers in the world.

Sounds crazy, right? Maybe not.

🔹 Xfinity Series Dominance – Zilisch shocked the NASCAR world with his Xfinity Series debut at Watkins Glen in 2024, where he didn’t just win—he dominated.

🔹 Elite Road Course Skills – If there’s one thing Zilisch has over the competition, it’s his road racing prowess. He holds a Truck Series qualifying record at COTA, and his background in IMSA, ARCA, and the CARS Tour has proven his raw adaptability.

🔹 A Stacked Resume for an 18-Year-Old – He’s already got five ARCA Menards Series wins, a CARS Tour victory, a Rolex 24 at Daytona win, and a Sebring 12 Hours victory—all before stepping into a Cup car.

So, when Pockrass confidently declared that Zilisch would win a Cup race, Harvick tried to throw cold water on the idea.

“We would call that apples to oranges.”

But Pockrass wasn’t backing down.

“This is why we call it bold predictions.”

Can Zilisch Really Pull Off the Impossible?

Winning an Xfinity race is one thing, but winning in the Cup Series? That’s a whole different beast. The gap in competition, car setup, and strategy is monumental. But Pockrass believes Zilisch’s road course talent could be the X-factor.

🔺 Trackhouse Racing Co-Owner Justin Marks has already called him a ‘once-in-a-generation talent.’
🔺 He’s set to make his Cup debut at COTA in 2025, one of the most technical road courses on the schedule.
🔺 With NASCAR’s Next Gen cars leveling the playing field, road course ringers have become serious threats—just ask Shane van Gisbergen, who won on debut in 2023.

So, is Pockrass crazy, or is he onto something?

Harvick & Vincie Are Skeptical—but NASCAR Fans Should Take Notice

Even Harvick and Vincie—both seasoned analysts—weren’t sure how to process Pockrass’ prediction.

“That’s bolder than mine,” Vincie admitted.

Yet, bold doesn’t mean impossible. If Connor Zilisch lands in a competitive car on a road course, don’t be surprised if he shocks the world.

After all, once-in-a-generation talents don’t wait for permission to make history.

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