NASCAR’s rising star Connor Zilisch explains strategy behind picking his diverse racing schedule

Connor Zilisch, who competes in various motorsport disciplines, recently opened about the strategic approach behind his current racing schedule. Zilisch has a long-term contract with Trackhouse Racing as a developmental driver. His developmental program across multiple racing series in 2024 includes select races in Xfinity Series, Truck Series, ARCA Menards Series, CARS Tour, Trans-Am, and IMSA.

On Dirty Mo Media’s Door Bumper Clear podcast, Freddie Kraft asked Zilisch about his racing career path, giving him two options to choose between direct Xfinity seat or a diverse schedule. Zilisch, who is 18 years old, reveals that he wants to participate in a diverse array of races to gain as much experience as possible before heading into full-time racing season.

Explaining his thoughts on his racing career path, the upcoming sensation said:

“I think this year I wanted to run as much diverse of a schedule as I could just because I wanted experience in as many different things as I could to learn as much as I can.”

Connor Zilisch doesn’t feel performance pressure thanks to his multi-year deal with the Trackhouse Racing team. Zilisch said:

"Obviously, I know that I have a longer-term contract with Trackhouse, and I feel pretty secure about that, so for me, it's not all about going out and winning races and trying to prove to someone that I can go out and do it, and I feel like that's kind of where ARCA is for me, where I can go out and I know I can compete.”

Connor Zilisch made his NASCAR Truck Series debut at Circuit of the Americas behind the wheel of a #7 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports. In his debut truck race, he shocked the field after winning the pole in his first career start and then finished P4 in the running order.

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Connor Zilisch reveals the reason behind racing in Truck and Xfinity Series

The North Carolina native has plans for his racing career. He stated that he is looking to compete on those Xfinity and Truck events that push him beyond his comfort zone. Explaining what he wanted to do in his career, Zilisch said:

“When it comes to the Truck and Xfinity races, I wanted to go to tracks where I would challenge myself, and hopefully next year, if I go full-time racing, I'll be able to have at least a little bit under my belt before I show up.”

As Connor Zilisch turned 18 last month, he is set to shine in the Xfinity Series as well. He has four-race contract with JR Motorsports. He will make his Xfinity debut in the #88 Xfinity Chevy at Watkins Glen on September 14. He will then return at Kansas Speedway (September 28), followed by Homestead-Miami Speedway (October 26), and the season finale at Phoenix Raceway (November 9).