Denny Hamlin has offered his perspective on Connor Zilisch’s readiness for top-level stock car racing, highlighting the young driver’s progress in the Cup Series. Speaking recently, Hamlin noted that Zilisch appears to be better prepared for the Cup than teammate Shane van Gisbergen was when he began this season with Trackhouse Racing. This assessment comes as Zilisch approaches his third Cup Series start at Atlanta, where he will pilot the #87 Red Bull Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
Zilisch, currently a full-time driver in the Xfinity Series, has already made Cup starts at Austin and Charlotte. Alongside Van Gisbergen, Ross Chastain, and Daniel Suarez, he represents Trackhouse Racing’s ambitions at NASCAR’s highest level. Questions have circulated about his readiness to compete at this elite tier, but Hamlin’s analysis sheds light on Zilisch’s development path.
Insights into Zilisch’s and Van Gisbergen’s Career Trajectories
On the Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin contrasted Zilisch’s preparation with that of Van Gisbergen, who transitioned from the Truck Series in 2023 to the Xfinity Series this year with Kaulig Racing. Hamlin observed,
“I would say that he’s more prepared for Cup than what SVG was entering this season. Does that make any sense? Like, I think SVG is getting better on the ovals. Certainly, it’s starting to show probably over the last four or five weeks or so. He’s had some good legitimate runs. Now, I would say that it seems like his performance is also connected to the uptick in Trackhouse performance.”
While acknowledging the distinction between teams, Hamlin emphasized Zilisch’s increasing success in Xfinity as a positive sign for his Cup readiness. He stated,
“But, generally speaking, I think Connor’s having more success in Xfinity. Now, the two are not the same, because you know SVG was driving for Kaulig, Connor’s driving a JRM car, which is you know the best cars on the racetrack. But as far as being ready, I didn’t think SVG was ready and short of his Mexico win, I think that that’s proving to be true. But yet he’s getting there.”
This comparison highlights the challenge for both drivers transitioning to the Cup Series, with different team resources playing influential roles in their performance improvements.
Connor Zilisch’s Progress and JR Motorsports Support
Connor Zilisch’s alignment with JR Motorsports, under the leadership of Dale Earnhardt Jr., has positioned him well in the Xfinity Series with one of its top-performing teams. As the defending owner’s champion, JR Motorsports provides Zilisch with competitive machinery, aiding his development. His performance in the Xfinity Series is an indicator of how he might adapt at the Cup level.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Role in Zilisch’s Recent Victory
Dale Earnhardt Jr. took a direct role in Zilisch’s recent success when he served as crew chief for the #88 Xfinity car at the Pocono Raceway. This shift occurred after the suspension of Zilisch’s original crew chief, Mardy Lindley, following a NASCAR infraction during the Nashville race. Earnhardt Jr., also co-owner of JR Motorsports, stepped in and helped lead Zilisch to victory.
Reflecting on the win, Earnhardt Jr. praised his driver, saying,
“Hats off to everybody on this team. It’s been amazing all weekend long. Great race car driver. Connor Zilisch is going to be a big deal in this sport for a long time. A lot of fun for me today.”
During the race, Zilisch started ninth, advanced to third by Stage 1’s conclusion, and took the lead in Stage 2, eventually crossing the finish line ahead of Jesse Love. This marked an important milestone in Zilisch’s young career and provided a glimpse of his potential in top-tier NASCAR competition.
Significance of Zilisch’s Development for Trackhouse Racing and NASCAR
Connor Zilisch’s progression from a talented Xfinity contender to a capable Cup Series driver reflects broader trends in NASCAR talent development. With experienced voices like Denny Hamlin endorsing his readiness and Dale Earnhardt Jr. actively involved in his race strategy, Zilisch is positioned to make an impact in the highly competitive Cup Series.
Meanwhile, Shane van Gisbergen continues to improve as he gains more experience in the top tier, with Trackhouse Racing investing in both drivers’ growth. Zilisch’s performance in the upcoming races, starting with Atlanta, will be closely watched by fans and insiders who are eager to see how quickly he can establish himself alongside more seasoned competitors.
