"He treats me like his brother" - Connor Zilisch talks about his friendship with Noah Gragson

Connor Zilisch, the 18-year-old who won his first NASCAR Xfinity race in an exciting debut, recently talked about his friendship with Cup Series driver Noah Gragson.

In what was his first Xfinity Series start, Ziilisch won the race at Watkins Glen driving the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet. This year, he has raced in various series and signed with Trackhouse Racing. He also won LMP2 class titles in IMSA sports car races and impressed with a pole and fourth-place finish in the Truck Series.

After the Mission 200 win this Saturday, Zilisch explained that he and Gragson became friends during their time as Chevy teammates.

"We became friends through Chevy. We were Chevy teammates there for a while. We worked out together...he's been one of the best people to me. He has always treated me well. I know I’m five, six, seven years younger than him, but he treats me like his brother, and it’s so great. Him, Zane Smith, Todd Gilliland, all those guys—I spend a lot of time with them," Zilisch said (01:20).

Zilisch, who will drive the No. 88 car for JRM full-time next year, added that he appreciates having older people as friends because they "take you under their wing."

"He's one of my best friends at this point, and, um, someone that I just respect the hell out of. And, um, he's been through the ups and the downs, and, um, you know, I wouldn't, I wouldn't leave him through the downs. After everything he's done for me, he's done a lot for me, " he added (01:50).

26-year-old Noah Gragson will join Front Row Motorsports for the 2025 Cup Series season on a multiyear deal after Stewart-Haas Racing closes at the end of this year.

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"I’ve been working on this one for months" - Connor Zilisch on debut race win

Connor Zilisch had an amazing debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series as he won the race from pole position.

The youngster managed to save enough fuel and win during double overtime even with a mid-race penalty and a chaotic finish. This win puts him in an elite group of drivers like Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Kurt Busch, who won their first Xfinity race.

"I’ve worked so hard for this one. I’ve been working on this one for months. It’s so special,” Zilisch said.

Connor Zilisch is set to join Dale Earnhardt's team, known for developing numerous drivers, including Chase Elliott and Brad Keselowski, into Cup Series stars. Zilisch will conclude the season competing at Kansas, Homestead-Miami, and Phoenix.