Connor Zilisch will compete full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series driving a Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing starting in 2026, marking a significant milestone in his rapidly rising career. The announcement was made on Saturday at Daytona International Speedway by Zilisch and Trackhouse founder Justin Marks, confirming a multiyear agreement with the competitive three-car outfit.
Zilisch, 19, is one of the most promising young talents in NASCAR, currently leading in the Xfinity Series while racing for JR Motorsports. His move to the Trackhouse NASCAR Cup team highlights the organization’s commitment to nurturing emerging stars and expanding their impact in top-tier racing.
A Rising Star’s Journey from Karting to NASCAR’s Elite
Hailing from Mooresville, North Carolina, Zilisch brings a decade of kart racing experience, including international competition in Europe at age 11, which helped build his adaptability and racing skills. Since entering professional racing in early 2021, he has quickly amassed an impressive resume across different series.
His recent accomplishments include victories at the 2024 Rolex 24 and the 12 Hours of Sebring, five ARCA wins, two NASCAR Truck Series poles, and a late model win on the CARS Tour. In 2024, Zilisch made a strong statement by sweeping the pole and winning in his Xfinity Series debut at Watkins Glen International.
Throughout the 2025 season, he has excelled behind the wheel of the No. 88 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, winning six times in just 22 races. Despite missing a race due to an accident at Talladega Superspeedway, Zilisch leads the Xfinity driver points and has notched 12 straight top-five finishes since returning, including wins at notable tracks such as Pocono Raceway, Sonoma Raceway, Dover Motor Speedway, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Watkins Glen International, and Daytona International Speedway.
Trackhouse’s Confidence in Zilisch’s Potential
Justin Marks, Trackhouse’s founder and owner, has closely followed Zilisch’s progress from karting to professional racing. Marks praised the young driver’s swift adaptation and consistent performance across series.
This day has been a dream of mine for a long time,
Zilisch commented as he reflected on his progression with Trackhouse and Chevrolet.
Cup racing has been the goal since joining with Chevrolet and Trackhouse, and while I didn’t know it would come this soon, I feel like I’m ready. I know the challenge that awaits entering the Cup Series as a full-time driver, but I feel that with the support of Trackhouse and Chevrolet, this is the right situation for me. I won’t be making any predictions for success next year. All I promise is to put in 100 percent effort, learn all that I can, plus have a little bit of fun along the way!
Connor is a rare talent that comes along every few decades,
Marks said. He added that he has witnessed Zilisch’s development firsthand from competing in Trans Am races to dominating in the Xfinity Series this season.
Connor is very mature, poised, and I know ready for Cup racing in 2026. He’s been mentored along the way by former racer Josh Wise and Dr. Eric Warren at General Motors. I can speak for everyone at Trackhouse Racing when I say we have a tremendous amount of faith in this young man.
Support from General Motors and Trackhouse’s Strategic Vision
Dr. Eric Warren, Vice President of Global Motorsports Competition for General Motors, reinforced Trackhouse’s belief in Zilisch’s abilities and future success in NASCAR’s top tier. Warren emphasized the driver’s dedication and willingness to work hard both on and off the track.
We are excited for Connor to get the opportunity to compete full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026,
Warren said.
What Connor has been able to accomplish in NASCAR over the last year has been remarkable. He has the drive and commitment to put in the work on and off the track, and we look forward to seeing his continued success in NASCAR’s top division.
Trackhouse has already introduced Zilisch to Cup Series competition in 2025, entering him in three races. His 11th-place finish at Echo Park Speedway in Atlanta and strong showings at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, and Charlotte Motor Speedway demonstrated his potential against seasoned competitors.
Trackhouse Racing’s Growth and Commitment to Innovation
Since its launch as a single-car team in 2021 with driver Daniel Suárez, Trackhouse Racing has evolved quickly, embracing a philosophy that combines competitive racing with outreach to diverse NASCAR audiences. Today, the team operates three full-time Cup Series cars and has achieved 13 victories since its inception.
Notable recent wins include Ross Chastain’s victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May, Shane van Gisbergen’s success at the Mexico race in June, and further wins by the New Zealand driver at the Chicago Street Race, Sonoma Raceway, and Watkins Glen throughout the summer months.
Beyond stock car racing, Trackhouse expanded into MotoGP in 2024, becoming the first American team in over a decade to compete at the highest level of motorcycle racing. Partnering with Aprilia as their factory-supported team, Trackhouse Racing MotoGP aims to establish a strong presence on and off the track.
Anticipating Details for Zilisch’s 2026 Cup Campaign
Justin Marks has indicated that the upcoming weeks will bring announcements on key aspects of Zilisch’s Cup Series entry, including his car number, sponsors, crew chief, and crew members. These details will further define the team’s approach heading toward the 2026 season.
With Zilisch’s remarkable trajectory and Trackhouse Racing’s innovative culture, the full-time entry is expected to have a significant impact on the Cup Series landscape, promising exciting developments for fans and the sport alike.
