AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Denny Hamlin Declares Connor Zilisch a “Sure-Fire Star” in NASCAR’s Future

Simon Monroy by Simon Monroy
November 28, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Denny Hamlin Declares Connor Zilisch a “Sure-Fire Star” in NASCAR’s Future

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

Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin has offered high praise for Trackhouse Racing prodigy Connor Zilisch, dubbing him a “sure-fire thing” as he evaluates the youngster’s potential in NASCAR’s future.

The 2024 NASCAR season saw Zilisch, a rising star in the sport, make waves with his stellar performances. After debuting in the Truck and Xfinity Series, he secured a maiden NASCAR victory at Watkins Glen, stunning the garage with his poise and skill. This breakout success has earned him a full-time Xfinity seat with JR Motorsports for 2025, driving the No. 88 Chevy.


Hamlin’s Assessment of Zilisch’s Potential

Hamlin, one of NASCAR’s most experienced drivers, believes Zilisch has what it takes to excel against seasoned competitors in the Xfinity Series, particularly given his impressive oval racing experience.

“I’d say it’s probably a sure-fire thing, just because he’s got enough experience on ovals,” Hamlin explained. “He’s not as dominant on ovals as he is on road courses, but he’s still very competitive, even against veterans who’ve been in the game for quite some time.”

While Hamlin acknowledges that Zilisch may not dominate the Xfinity Series outright, he predicts a strong debut season, setting a realistic goal of four to five wins for the youngster.

“Will he go win 12 races next year in Xfinity? No, I don’t think so,” Hamlin admitted. “But could he win four or five? Absolutely. Considering the car he’s in and his capabilities, that’s a very feasible goal.”


Zilisch vs. Shane van Gisbergen (SVG)

Hamlin also compared Zilisch to New Zealand’s road course ace Shane van Gisbergen (SVG), another talent generating buzz in NASCAR. While both drivers shine on road courses, Hamlin gave Zilisch the edge for his versatility and adaptability on ovals.

“Connor’s got a leg up on SVG,” Hamlin said. “I think he’s more well-versed in ovals than what SVG is. When you look at their capabilities on road courses, I consider them equals. But in terms of overall versatility, Connor has the advantage.”


What Lies Ahead for Zilisch

With Zilisch stepping into JR Motorsports’ powerhouse No. 88 team, expectations are high. Hamlin emphasized the team’s track record of success and believes Zilisch’s road course prowess, combined with his growing expertise on ovals, makes him a future Cup Series contender.

“Once Connor gets to the Cup Series, he’ll surely be a championship contender and one of the drivers to beat every week,” Hamlin asserted.

As the NASCAR world keeps a close eye on Zilisch, the question remains not if he’ll ascend to the top tier, but when. His journey promises to add another layer of excitement to the sport’s future.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

High-Stakes Showdown: 5 Races Left to Decide NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs!
Motorsports

High-Stakes Showdown: 5 Races Left to Decide NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs!

Matthew O'Haren

by Redação
July 22, 2025
F1 Legend Demands Overthrow of FIA President for Return to Racing Glory
Motorsports

F1 Legend Demands Overthrow of FIA President for Return to Racing Glory

Former F1 Champion Calls for Overthrow of FIA President in Explosive Statement In a shocking turn of events, former Formula...

by David Castro
July 22, 2025
Ferrari Boss BANS Lewis Hamilton’s Friendship with Leclerc! Shocking Mid-Season Drama Unfolds
Motorsports

Ferrari Boss BANS Lewis Hamilton’s Friendship with Leclerc! Shocking Mid-Season Drama Unfolds

Formula One F1 - Saudi Arabian Grand Prix - Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - April 20, 2025 Ferrari...

by Harry Bright
July 22, 2025
Max Verstappen’s Epic Comeback: Can He Defy Odds and Win F1 2025 Championship?
Motorsports

Max Verstappen’s Epic Comeback: Can He Defy Odds and Win F1 2025 Championship?

Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

by James Taylor
July 22, 2025

Recent News

High-Stakes Showdown: 5 Races Left to Decide NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs!

High-Stakes Showdown: 5 Races Left to Decide NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs!

July 22, 2025
F1 Legend Demands Overthrow of FIA President for Return to Racing Glory

F1 Legend Demands Overthrow of FIA President for Return to Racing Glory

July 22, 2025
Ferrari Boss BANS Lewis Hamilton’s Friendship with Leclerc! Shocking Mid-Season Drama Unfolds

Ferrari Boss BANS Lewis Hamilton’s Friendship with Leclerc! Shocking Mid-Season Drama Unfolds

July 22, 2025
Max Verstappen’s Epic Comeback: Can He Defy Odds and Win F1 2025 Championship?

Max Verstappen’s Epic Comeback: Can He Defy Odds and Win F1 2025 Championship?

July 22, 2025

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

Enable Notifications OK No thanks