Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s recent signing Connor Zilisch explains why he didn’t pursue his F1 dream

Dale Earnhardt Jr. co-owned Xfinity Series team JR Motorsports recently signed top NASCAR prospect Connor Zilisch as the driver of the #88 Chevy for the 2025 season. In a conversation with Dale Jr., Zilisch explained his switch to stock cars and the reason behind abandoning his F1 dream.

Zilisch began competing in go-karts at an early age and shifted focus to European events after winning an Italian championship in 2017. Over the next three years, he competed in FIA-sanctioned events and became the first American to win the CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy in 2020.

Having made waves in the European Karting scene, Earnhardt Jr. was curious to know why Zilisch shifted focus to stock cars and NASCAR. Zilisch replied that he didn't know how to ascend the Formula Series ladder and more importantly didn't have the financial backing to race in Europe.

Elaborating on his early career switch, he said on the Dale Jr. Download podcast:

"Every kid that starts in go-karts wants to race in Formula 1, they all wanna go to Europe and race the Formula ladder series. I didn't understand what it took at the time to get to F1." [at 28:05]

The 18-year-old added:

"I think the biggest thing for me was money. At the end of the day, to go race in Europe, there's no sponsors in the feeder series in Formula. It's a bunch of kids that are fortunate enough to go racing, whether it's family money or the people they know, they got the chance to go do that, and I never really had the opportunity." [at 39:20]

Connor Zilisch mentioned that he did have conversations with Ferrari Driver Academy about financing his career in the junior formula series, however, it didn't yield any results.

"I had small talk with the Ferrari Driver Academy and different driver academies in Europe but nothing came about," he added.

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. excited to see Connor Zilisch in the #88 Chevy

The JR Motorsports co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. expressed his excitement to see Connor Zilisch behind the wheel of the wheel #88 Chevy full-time next season. He emphasized the 18-year-old's impressive resume and was excited to bring him into the fold.

Dale Jr. said in a press release:

"Connor is such an impressive driver at this young age. We’re excited for him to get behind the wheel full-time next season. He is on a path to sure success with support from Chevrolet, Silver Hare Racing, Trackhouse, and now JR Motorsports."

Connor Zilisch will make his Xfinity debut in the #88 Chevy later this year at Watkins Glen International (Sept. 14). He is also scheduled to enter three additional oval races, at Kansas Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, and Phoenix Raceway.