Connor Zilisch NASCAR rookie season is approaching with high anticipation after an extraordinary last year in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, where he earned a remarkable record of victories and top finishes. With his debut in the prestigious Cup Series on the horizon, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Zilisch can meet—or surpass—the lofty expectations set by his historic performance.
Zilisch’s Breakout Year in O’Reilly Sets the Stage
Connor Zilisch’s recent campaign in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series caught the attention of the racing world, racking up 10 wins, 20 top-five finishes, 23 top-ten results, and earning eight pole positions, ultimately finishing second in the overall standings. Such numbers are exceptional for any racer, but especially for such a young driver. These achievements have ignited high hopes for what Zilisch’s entry into the NASCAR Cup Series might bring.
The jump to the premier series comes with its share of caution, however. The Next Gen car presents a new set of challenges compared to what Zilisch dominated in previously. Some experts suggest that while expectations are high, patience may be necessary as he adapts during the early months of his rookie year.
Lessons from Other O’Reilly Standouts Entering Cup
Past O’Reilly stars offer both inspiration and warning for Zilisch’s fledgling Cup career. Ty Gibbs, for example, won an impressive 12 races in O’Reilly, including a championship run, yet since joining the Cup Series full-time in 2023, he has not secured a win. Despite strong statistics of 17 top-fives and 33 top-tens, Gibbs’s performance slipped between 2024 and 2025, his final points tally dropping to 19th place.
Noah Gragson offers another perspective: his banner year in 2022 included eight wins and a steady progression through the O’Reilly ranks before making the leap to Cup. Gragson has competed for multiple teams, with notable achievements like a top-five and several top-ten finishes in 2024 for Stewart-Haas Racing, and continued solid performances for Front Row Motorsports.
Austin Cindric’s O’Reilly legacy includes 13 victories, highlighted by a championship season. His first Cup Series win was the celebrated 2022 Daytona 500, and he has continued to deliver consistent victories across recent seasons with Team Penske, establishing himself as one of the few young drivers to maintain momentum after moving up.
Why Zilisch Stands Apart from Other Young Racers
Several factors set Zilisch apart from previous rising stars like Gibbs, Gragson, and Cindric, and these may contribute to a smoother or more successful transition. Unlike many who struggled with team placement or adapting to new cars, Zilisch joins Trackhouse Racing, an organization that, while not the most dominant on oval tracks, has proven itself on the diverse schedule of Cup Series competition.
Trackhouse boasts teammates with significant victories—Ross Chastain has conquered both ovals and road circuits, while Shane van Gisbergen shone on road courses, including wins at premiere venues such as Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Chicago’s street circuit, Sonoma Raceway, Watkins Glen International, and the Charlotte ROVAL. This environment appears well-suited to Zilisch’s talents, as he has won multiple times on a variety of layouts, especially road and oval tracks.
Zilisch’s O’Reilly wins tell a similar story, including victories at Watkins Glen International, Circuit of the Americas, Sonoma Raceway, Portland, and the Charlotte ROVAL. His versatility and skill turning both left and right, many believe, will be crucial assets.
Impressive Achievements Beyond NASCAR
Connor Zilisch has proven himself outside of the stock car world as well. Racing with Era Motorsport, he was part of the team that took the LMP2 class win at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, finishing ninth overall—a remarkable feat at just 17.
These accomplishments broaden the conversation about Zilisch’s natural ability and racing acumen. Comparisons can be made to legends and phenoms of the past. Joey Logano, for instance, won in his first full-time Cup season at age 19. Kyle Larson claimed victory in his third season around age 24. Kyle Busch and Cole Custer also managed rookie-year wins, while Jeff Gordon sprang to prominence in his second full-time Cup campaign with two major victories, then claimed seven wins and a championship the following year at 24.
Overcoming Adversity and Showcasing Resilience
While skills behind the wheel are essential, Zilisch has also shown the grit necessary for success at the sport’s top level. Last season, he weathered two significant injuries. A back injury from a crash at Talladega Superspeedway forced him to watch as Kyle Larson drove his car to victory at Texas Motor Speedway. Not long afterward, Zilisch broke his collarbone in a freak accident after a win at Watkins Glen International, yet he still managed to start the following Daytona race before handing over to Parker Kligerman, who secured the win for the team.
Despite these setbacks, Zilisch returned to racing even after surgery, demonstrating remarkable commitment and mental strength. This resilience, paired with extraordinary talent, suggests he could be poised for a historic Cup Series debut.
What the Future Holds for Zilisch’s Rookie Season
The transition from the O’Reilly Series to the NASCAR Cup Series may be daunting, but Zilisch’s combination of achievements, adaptability, and toughness provides reason for optimism. With Trackhouse Racing offering both a support system and a platform that values success on a variety of tracks, Zilisch enters his rookie year prepared to make an immediate impression.
His journey will be closely watched, not only for how quickly he can adjust to the Next Gen car but for whether he can join the ranks of NASCAR’s young champions. As the new season begins, Zilisch’s story has the potential to shape the next chapter in Cup Series history and ignite further excitement among followers of the sport.
