The news broke earlier today that 18-year-old Connor Zilisch will be embarking on a full-time racing career in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for JR Motorsports in 2025. This marks a significant milestone in Zilisch’s rapid ascent through the ranks of professional racing.
Zilisch burst onto the scene in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, making his debut at VIRginia International Raceway towards the end of the 2021 season. In his very first start in the CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series, he secured the pole position, showcasing his raw talent. Building on this success, Zilisch committed to competing in TA2 full time in both 2022 and 2023. It was in 2023 that he truly made a breakthrough, clinching his first victory at Road Atlanta. Throughout the season, he went on to win an impressive four more TA2 races, triumphing at Detroit Race 2, the Music City Grand Prix in Nashville, World Wide Technology Raceway, and VIR. Notably, during the same weekend as his TA2 victory at VIR, Zilisch also made his debut in Trans Am’s TA class, securing both the pole position and the win, completing a remarkable weekend sweep.
The 2024 TA2 season kicked off in style for Zilisch as he emerged victorious at Sebring International Raceway. Beyond the Trans Am paddock, he has been making a name for himself across various forms of motorsports. The year began with a triumph in the LMP2 class at the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona, followed by another victory in the same class at the 12 Hours of Sebring. Zilisch has also claimed three wins in the ARCA Menards Series, triumphing at Dover Motor Speedway, Iowa Speedway, and Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. Additionally, he secured a win in the ARCA East series at Flat Rock Speedway. Making his NASCAR Truck Series debut at Circuit of The Americas, Zilisch impressed with a pole position and a top-five finish.
Notably, Zilisch also emerged victorious in the CARS Late Model Stock Tour at Hickory Motor Speedway. With a multi-year development contract in place with Trackhouse Racing and Chevrolet, he is poised to make his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut with JR Motorsports later this year at Watkins Glen International.
Photo from Connor Zilisch Instagram
