Connor Zilisch, at just 19 years old, has delivered an outstanding rookie season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, capturing four wins so far in 2024. Hailing from North Carolina, Zilisch secured a notable victory last Saturday at the BetRivers 200 in Dover, demonstrating his potential as a rising star in stock car racing.
Racing for JR Motorsports, Zilisch has dominated several races, including leading 77 of 134 laps during the rain-shortened Dover event. After a challenging start earlier in the season, his win at Circuit of The Americas marked a turning point, solidifying his grip at the front of the field. He has claimed three wins in the last five races, confirming his rapid ascendancy in the series.
Denny Hamlin’s Perspective on Zilisch’s Transition to the Cup Series
Denny Hamlin, the NASCAR Cup race winner at Dover and a respected voice in the sport, recently weighed in on Connor Zilisch’s future prospects during his Actions Detrimental podcast. While acknowledging Zilisch’s impressive performance in the Xfinity Series, Hamlin urged fans to temper their expectations regarding his rookie year in the Cup Series.
“He’s running better than Shane was on ovals. Now, Shane was with Kaulig, he’s with JRM,”
Hamlin remarked, referencing Shane van Gisbergen’s experience.
“JRM is definitely the class of the field with their cars and their performance. And then you’ll be going to Trackhouse that is not the top of performance in Cup and the competition is harder. So, you got to be somewhat realistic.”
Hamlin highlighted the stark differences between Zilisch’s current team, JR Motorsports, considered the best in Xfinity, and the Trackhouse Racing organization that Zilisch is expected to join in the Cup Series next year. He emphasized that Trackhouse does not possess the same level of performance as elite Cup teams like Joe Gibbs Racing or Hendrick Motorsports, creating a tougher environment for the young driver.
Challenges Awaiting Zilisch in NASCAR’s Premier Division
Hamlin projected a challenging rookie year for Zilisch in the Cup Series, suggesting a finish near 24th place in the points standings.
“If I had to just throw out a number, his first season…. One year from now, he’ll be 24,”
he added, underscoring the competitiveness that Zilisch will face stepping up from Xfinity to Cup.
The upcoming season will test Zilisch’s skill against a deeper field of experienced drivers and teams, confirming that early success in the Xfinity Series does not guarantee immediate results at the top level. Despite this, many within the NASCAR garage view Zilisch as a promising talent with long-term potential in Cup racing.
Hamlin’s remarks serve as a reminder of the often steep learning curve in transitioning to NASCAR’s highest tier, where raw talent must meet stronger equipment and stiffer competition. While Zilisch’s rookie Xfinity season has captured widespread attention, his true growth will be measured by how he adapts and evolves in the Cup Series spotlight.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin started racing full-time in the Cup Series with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2006. Since then, he has achieved 51 wins and three Daytona 500 titles in 2016, 2019, and 2020. Over his career, he has earned millions of dollars.
Q. Did Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish get married?
A. Denny Hamlin is going to marry Jordan Fish. As a child, she loved dancing and eventually joined the dance team for the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats, now known as the Charlotte Hornets. She met Hamlin while performing at one of the Bobcats’ games.
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?
A. Denny Hamlin has made a lot of money, approximately $65 million, from racing, endorsement deals, team ownership, and real estate investments. Whether driving a car or managing a race team, Hamlin keeps making successful choices in both racing and business areas.
Q. How is Denny Hamlin so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin’s $65 million net worth stems from earning over $100 million through NASCAR contracts and winnings. He also secures multi-million dollar endorsements from brands like FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota. Furthermore, he co-owns 23XI Racing, a racing team now worth over $100 million.
