Dale Jr.’s NASCAR prodigy Connor Zilisch reacts to Helio Castroneves joining his former ARCA team

Connor Zilisch recently reacted to Helio Castroneves joining his former team Trackhouse Racing in the ARCA Menards Series. Zilisch raced for Trackhouse in 2024 and after his move to JR Motorsports, his former team decided to put Castroneves in charge of his #82 Chevrolet in the ARCA 200.

Castroneves will race at Daytona twice in 2025. He will make his debut in the ARCA Menards Series, and then take part in the Daytona 500 for the same team. It will also be his first race in the NASCAR Cup Series.

The Brazilian will drive the #91 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 alongside Ross Chastain, Shane Van Gisbergen, and Daniel Suarez. In ARCA 200, he will be in charge of the No. 82 Pinnacle Racing Group Chevrolet.

As Justin Marks, the co-owner of Trackhouse Racing, announced Helio Castroneves for the ARCA Menards Series, the series' social media account shared a post on the Brazilian driver.

Reacting to it, Zilisch wrote on X,

"Didn’t see this one comin"

In 2024, Pinnacle Racing Group fielded Connor Zilisch in the same seat for the ARCA Menards Series. However, he moved to JR Motorsports to drive for Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s team from next year.

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Connor Zilisch ready to race for one of his heroes, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

In August last year, Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced on The Dale Jr Download podcast that Connor Zilisch signed a contract with JR Motorsports and will drive the #88 Chevrolet Camaro in 2025.

NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Connor Zilisch (88) during the Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Ahead of his full-time entry, Zilisch touched upon what it meant to race for Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s team in NASCAR,

"With so much support from Chevrolet and chances to race in Trucks, ARCA and Trans Am with the support of Silver Hare Racing, I was able to sign with Trackhouse and they went to work to secure an incredible opportunity for me,” Zilisch said.

“I am so grateful and can’t wait to show them that their trust in me is warranted. It is mind-blowing to think that I will be driving for JR Motorsports and Dale Earnhardt, Jr., who is one of my heroes. I’m ready to put in the work.”

Sharing his thoughts on Zilisch's arrival at JR Motorsports, co-owner Dale Jr. said,

“Connor is such an impressive driver at this young age,” Earnhardt Jr said. “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.”

Zilisch will drive in the second tier of the stock car racing series, the Xfinity, alongside Carson Kvapil (#1 car), Justin Allgaier (#7 car and defending champion), and Sammy Smith (#8 car) in 2025.