Just two years ago, Connor Zilisch, then a 16-year-old budding racer, offhandedly dismissed the idea of a NASCAR Cup Series debut by 2025. Little did he know that his casual dismissal was setting the stage for an unexpected twist in his future. Today, not only is Zilisch readying himself for his first NASCAR season, but he’s also primed for a dramatic entrance into the Cup Series.
His professional career has taken a meteoric rise, seeing him debut in the Cup Series at the young age of 18 years and 223 days. As he takes to the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in his No. 87 Red Bull Chevy, Zilisch will be joining an exclusive club of young prodigies, including the likes of Joey Logano and Erik Jones, who made their Cup Series debut before their 19th birthday.
Zilisch’s entry into this elite group is even more remarkable as it surpasses the debut ages of active Cup Series drivers Chase Elliott and Jones. However, behind this awe-inspiring statistic lies a story of an accidental prophecy that borders on the surreal.
Reflecting on a conversation he had with his performance coach Josh Wise two years ago, Zilisch recalls how Wise had predicted a Cup Series debut by 2025. Dismissing the idea at the time, Zilisch never imagined the prophecy would materialize so soon, let alone that he would surpass it.
Zilisch’s racing journey has been nothing short of impressive. Before his Cup Series debut, he’s made a name for himself in Trans Am TA2 events, winning five races and becoming the youngest class winner ever at the 24 Hours of Daytona at just 17 years and 144 days. Moreover, he’s the first American to secure the CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy.
Despite opportunities to race in Europe’s premier motorsports series F1, Zilisch chose to remain true to his roots and race in his home country, America. His imminent debut is filled with anticipation and excitement, and if he manages to win a race this season, he could break Logano’s 15-year-old record as the youngest Cup Series winner by nearly a full year.
The story of Zilisch’s rise resonates with other young NASCAR phenoms, such as Elliott, who made waves in the Truck Series, and Cole Custer, who broke the record for the youngest driver to win a race at 16 years, 7 months, and 28 days. Now, Zilisch holds the torch, poised to etch his name in NASCAR history with his Cup Series debut.
Another significant factor in Zilisch’s journey is the support he’s received from both Justin Marks and Dale Jr. However, a crucial player has been his sponsor, Red Bull Racing. Red Bull’s return to NASCAR after a 13-year hiatus brings an added layer of excitement to Zilisch’s debut.
During their previous stint in NASCAR from 2007 to 2011, Red Bull’s team achieved one victory at Michigan and 26 top-five finishes from 284 starts. Their return indicates a resurgence of corporate faith in the sport’s direction.
Their collaboration with Zilisch is seen as an ideal match, aligning with Red Bull’s global motorsport principles and dedication to nurturing young talent, a strategy similar to the one that saw Max Verstappen win three world championships at the age of 17.
As Zilisch gears up for his debut, he embodies NASCAR’s unpredictability and its capacity to create new stars. He carries not just his personal ambitions but also the renewed expectations of a returning sponsor and the legacy of young drivers. In the world of NASCAR, sometimes, the phrase “that’s never gonna happen” is exactly what sets the wheels of destiny in motion.
