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The 2025 NASCAR season is months away yet several young prospects seem to be more than ready to make noise in the stock car racing scene. The youngsters will bring the fight to the mainstay drivers, which should make an interesting season.
One of the young prospects on the radar is Connor Zilisch, an 18-year-old driver from Charlotte, North Carolina. He notably won his debut NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen last September, triumphing over even the best in the game.
Who are the young prospects that could join Zilisch in making an impact next year? Read on to find out our top five picks.
Connor Zilisch
As mentioned earlier, Connor Zilisch made quite an impression after winning his first career Xfinity race at Watkins Glen. Driving the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro, the driver crossed the checkered flag ahead of Sheldon Creed and AJ Allmendinger, respectively.
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Zilisch will return to JR Motorsports with a full-time schedule in the second-tier series next year. He scored three top-5s in four starts this year, including two P2 finishes at Kansas Speedway and Phoenix Raceway.
William Sawalich
William Sawalich is another 18-year-old driver expected to shine in the NASCAR scene. Sawalich ran as a part-time driver in the Xfinity and Truck Series, scoring one pole position in each NASCAR series with Toyota.
For the 2025 season, the young prospect is taking his talents to Joe Gibbs Racing as a full-time driver in the Xfinity Series. He will drive the No. 18 Toyota Supra sponsored by Starkey, a US-based hearing aid company.
Corey Heim
Coming off a strong 2024 season, Corey Heim is looking to further make noise in the pickup truck-based racing series. Heim qualified for the Championship 4 and finished second behind 2024 champion Ty Majeski.
The 22-year-old driver will run it back with Tricon Garage for his third full-time season next year. His recent campaign witnessed him scoring six wins, 14 top-5s, and 18 top-10s, along with one pole position secured at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Corey Day
While Corey Day is more prominent in dirt racing, the young driver is making moves in NASCAR. Day made four starts in the Truck Series with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing this year, though he only had a best finish of P16 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
The 19-year-old will still race sprint cars next year while pursuing more opportunities in stock car racing. 2021 Cup Series champ Kyle Larson had high praises for Day, saying the young driver accomplished more than him at the same age.
Carson Kvapil
After winning championships in the late model racing, Carson Kvapil started several Xfinity Series races for JR Motorsports this year. His debut race at Martinsville saw him finish fourth followed by a P2 finish at Dover Motor Speedway a few weeks later.
JR Motorsports, owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., signed Kvapil for a full-time seat in the feeder series next year. Driving the No. 1 Chevy, the 21-year-old driver will run alongside Zilisch, which should be an interesting matchup to watch
