Connor Zilisch announces his second NASCAR Cup Series start: “I can’t wait for it”

Modified Apr 03, 2025 15:59 GMT

Connor Zilisch - NASCAR: EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix - Source: Imagn

JR Motorsports rookie Xfinity driver Connor Zilisch has bagged another opportunity to show his prowess in the NASCAR Cup Series. The 18-year-old will wheel in his No. 87 Red Bull-sponsored Chevrolet with Trackhouse Racing at the Coca-Cola 600 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25.

After a promising yet unfortunate debut in NASCAR's premier division in the Circuit of the Americas race, Zilisch will join Shane van Gisbergen, Ross Chastain and Daniel Suarez in the 600-mile-long race in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In a post on X, Connor Zilisch expressed his thoughts on the upcoming challenge of running among the ace Cup Series drivers and wrote:

"So grateful for the chance to run it back with @redbull and @TeamTrackhouse in the 87 at Charlotte! Gonna be a challenge but I can’t wait for it👊🏼"

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With a history of road course skills such as running the SportsCar in IMSA, Connor Zilisch made headlines in the stock-car series when he won his debut attempt with JR Motorsports last year at Watkins Glen International, a road course.

As he continues his full-time schedule and runs for an Xfinity championship title with the Dale Earnhardt Jr.-owned Xfinity team, Zilisch admitted wanting to learn about racing at the ovals.

Connor Zilisch makes his intentions clear on another Cup Series start

After his eventful debut run in the Cup Series race on March 2, Connor Zilisch sat down with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio and addressed his future plans for another Cup start. On March 7, he said [0:28 onwards]:

"Honestly, as much as I'd love to run another road course, I don't feel like I have a ton to really learn on road courses, and you know, obviously racing on Sunday. I learned a lot against some of the best and racing against those guys, but I would learn a lot more on an oval, and I kind of gave myself my one shot to go out there and win. But you know from now on, I want to learn more than I really want to focus on winning Cup races. I have a long time to get to that point and win races on Sunday."

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The NASCAR prodigy has punched his ticket for the 2025 Xfinity playoff spot with a win at the Circuit of the Americas race. Apart from his one-race triumph, Connor Zilisch has had just one top-10 finish in his last seven starts with JR Motorsports.

About the author

Sashwat is part of Sportskeeda’s NASCAR division and frequently covers various events from each race during the season. A Mass Communication and Journalism graduate, he has been interested in the intersection point of sports and writing and has found that opportunity in motorsports journalism.

Sashwat is a firm believer in being true to what he covers and tries to pick up as much information as possible from races as they happen, helping him get the first jump on in-race incidents. His favorite driver is Kyle Larson, as he is intrigued by his dynamicity and diversity as a driver.

Sashwat wants to see NASCAR travel around the world, adding a global element to the Cup Series, and believes this could help the sport bridge the popularity gap to F1.

When he isn’t working, Sashwat follows football and tennis, supporting Real Madrid and Novak Djokovic, respectively. He is also interested in the creativity that comes with film-making.

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Edited by Luke Koshi