Connor Zilisch, the 19-year-old racing prodigy, is set to begin his full-time NASCAR Cup Series career next year driving the No. 99 for Trackhouse Racing, taking over from Daniel Suarez. With many curious about how the young driver will perform in NASCAR’s top tier, reigning Cup champion Joey Logano has already recognized Zilisch’s potential and offered him candid advice ahead of his rookie season.
At a recent NASCAR playoff media day, Logano spoke openly about the challenges Zilisch will face during his transition to the Cup Series and shared insights from his own early career experiences.
Comparing Two Rising Talents: Logano Sees Himself in Zilisch
Joey Logano and Connor Zilisch share similarities as young racing talents breaking through early in their careers. Logano’s rise was rapid, with a win on his ARCA debut at 17, followed by success in the Xfinity Series, and a Cup Series victory before turning 19. Likewise, Zilisch has an impressive motorsport background, capturing class wins at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the Sebring 12 Hours, plus achievements in Trans-Am and the Mazda MX-5 Cup before securing a full-time NASCAR seat.
From his native Charlotte, Zilisch made headlines by breaking a longstanding record at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a feat previously held by Logano himself, underscoring his rapid development and skill. Reflecting on Zilisch’s potential, Logano remarked,
“I think he’s (Zilisch) better than I was at that age, and he seems to be more mature than I was at that age,”
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
This endorsement highlighted Logano’s respect for the young driver’s capabilities and maturity as he prepares to enter NASCAR’s top level.
Logano Recommends Humility and Preparedness for the Challenges Ahead
While praising Zilisch’s talent, Logano also warned about the pitfalls of overconfidence in the highly competitive Cup Series environment. He cautioned that success in lower series like Xfinity does not guarantee an easy path in Cup, where every competitor is exceptionally skilled. He emphasized,
“I’d say that the biggest thing is it’s easy as an 18 or 19-year-old to drink the Kool-Aid. Yeah, he’s a great driver. There’s no doubt. He can win a lot of Xfinity races. Cup racing is different. Everybody is that great at this level. Everybody is fantastic, so you can’t drink your own Kool-Aid too much to where you think you’re the next thing and then you’re gonna get here and fall on your face.”
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Reflecting on his own rapid ascent followed by challenges, Logano distilled his advice into an important lesson on humility and focus:
“I lived it. I’ve been there. As good as I think that he is and will be, I also think that you’ve got to stay humble throughout it all and just remember what’s important.”
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
This simple but powerful guidance encourages Zilisch to maintain perspective amidst the pressure and excitement of his rookie season.
Connor Zilisch’s Rookie Year Expected to Draw Major Attention
Zilisch’s entry into the NASCAR Cup Series represents a significant moment for Trackhouse Racing and the broader racing community. Beyond his raw speed and accomplishments, his ability to manage the rigorous demands of NASCAR’s premier division will define his success. With Joey Logano’s mentorship and frank advice supporting him, Zilisch is poised to become one of the sport’s most closely watched rookies in 2026.
The rookie campaign will test his skill, composure, and adaptability, setting the stage for either a breakthrough or valuable learning experiences as he navigates the challenges of top-tier stock car racing. This transition marks an important chapter not only for Zilisch but also for NASCAR’s efforts to bring fresh talent into the spotlight.
